BJD Stages State-Wide Protest Against Odisha Government's Decision to Reschedule Panchayati Raj Divas
Sundargarh, March 6: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged massive protests across Odisha on March 6, opposing the state government's decision to shift the celebration of Panchayati Raj Divas from March 5 to April 24. In Sundargarh, the demonstration was held near the DRDA Office under the leadership of Sri Jogesh Kumar Singh, MLA of Sundargarh.
Senior BJD leaders, including Sri Jaya Narayan Tripathy, Sukanta Pati, Saroj Pattnaik, Kunu Biswakarma, Nirmal Bose, Anil Mahapatra, Benudhar Tandia, Sunil Mohapatra, Naresh Singh, Sumanta Panda, Aswini Naik, Ritesh Singh, Gouranga Dhal, Ashok Mohanty, Ashok Swain, Sumanta Sahu and Hemanta Meher, participated in the protest, strongly condemning the government's move.
The women’s wing of BJD, led by Ranjana Panda and comprising members Bina Sahu, Sushila Nag, Rajani Rohidas, Anita Sharma, Rita Sahu, Chirasmita Joshi, and Dushila Dansena, actively joined the demonstration, raising slogans against the BJP-led Odisha government. The youth wing, spearheaded by Baikuntha Naik, Mukesh Purohit, Kailash Tanty, Hemanta Padhi, Shivaji Naik, Umesh Sharma, Roshan Sahu, Mangal Prajapati, and Sukanta Rohidas, also made its presence felt.
The protestors criticized the government for allegedly attempting to erase the legacy of legendary leader Biju Patnaik, after whom Panchayati Raj Divas has been observed on March 5 for over three decades. BJD leaders questioned the rationale behind changing a long-standing tradition and accused the state government of disrespecting Biju Babu’s contributions to Odisha’s development.
BJD members also condemned the withdrawal of the public holiday on March 5, calling it a "ridiculous and unfortunate" decision that undermines the respect for Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary. They demanded the immediate reinstatement of the holiday and restoration of March 5 as Panchayati Raj Divas.
The protest witnessed a large turnout of party workers, reflecting strong public sentiment against the government's decision. The BJD has vowed to continue its agitation until the government reverses its stance and honors the legacy of Biju Patnaik.
