BJD wants National Day on Biju Patnaik Birth Centenary in 2016

Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: The ruling BJD in Odisha on Wednesday decided to propose to the central government that the birth centenary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik in 2016 be commemorated as a national day.

The Biju Janata Dal, which held its state executive meeting on Wednesday, decided to observe the birth anniversary across the state in a grand way.

“The guiding light for the party and our state Biju Babu’s birth centenary falls next year and the best tribute we can pay is to dedicate every minute for the development of our state and empowerment of our people,” party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at the executive meeting.

He, however, lashed out at the central government for ignoring the demands of the state.

“We will not tolerate any discrimination towards our state. We are not against any special package to any state, but why was Odisha left out? Why is Odisha being bypassed in the industrial corridor?” he asked.

He raised questions over the closure of schemes meant for the poor and backward regions of the state.

Patnaik also attacked the opposition for spreading misinformation about the BJD.

“The results of every election in the state show the immense faith people have in us. Our opposition parties are unable to accept this reality and respect the verdict of people. They have become desperate and are indulging in spreading misinformation rooted in politics of the worst kind,” he said. (IANS)