BHUBANESWAR: With the BJP planning to make a strong bid for power in Odisha in the 2019 election, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to revive 'Biju legacy' which has a strong attraction for the people.
Rich tributes were paid to legendary Biju Patnaik on his 20th death anniversary today with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik maintaining that Odisha is growing with an inclusive agenda of development based on the late leader's "spirit and vision."
On the day, political leaders cutting across party lines and people from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the leader and recalled his contribution in building modern Odisha. "Our endeavour is to achieve Odisha's development in all spheres based on his (Biju Patnaik's) spirit and vision. Our agenda for development is an inlusive agenda," Naveen said at a function held on the occasion at the BJD office here.
The chief minister said all segments are included in the journey for development in which women are in the forefront as all sections of society are benefitted by programmes designed to ensure food security for poor, women's empowerment and farmers' welfare. Naveen said as the focus is also on ensuring welfare of labourers and safeguarding the rights of dalits and tribals, all segments of society are enjoying the fruits of the invlusive agenda.
Describing Odisha as a welfare state in letter and spirit, he said it is a model for many other states in developing an ideal welfare mechanism. Several BJD leaders including party MP AU Singhdeo, minister of state for tourism and culture Ashok Panda and president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal Pramila Mallik criticised the Centre for its step-motherly attitude towards Odisha.
Earlier, the chief minister offered floral tributes to his father at a function on the assembly premises. Naveen also visited the Biju Patnaik memorial in Puri to pay homage. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organised a number of programmes across the state in an apparent exercise after BJP's national executive meeting, which concluded here yesterday.
A motor-cycle rally was taken out by BJD workers in the state capital as a mark of honour to the late leader as several party leaders demanded Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik.