Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, was remembered on his 109th birth anniversary on March 5, 2025. While tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, the day was also marked by controversy surrounding the Odisha government's decision to delink his birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Divas celebrations.
A Legacy of Leadership and Development
Biju Patnaik, often referred to as "Biju Babu," was a towering figure in Odisha's political landscape. He was known for his charismatic personality, strong leadership, and commitment to the development of Odisha. A strong advocate for decentralization, Patnaik played a crucial role in empowering Panchayati Raj institutions in the state. His commitment to grassroots democracy was evident in his efforts to bring reforms to the Panchayati Raj system. In 1991, during his tenure as Chief Minister, Odisha became the first state in India to reserve one-third of the seats in Panchayati Raj institutions for women, a progressive vision of Biju Patnaik.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Biju Patnaik, recalling his significant contributions to Odisha's development and his commitment to democratic ideals.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who highlighted Biju Patnaik's role in the state's progress and lauded him as a great politician, freedom fighter, and nationalist leader.
Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition and son of Biju Patnaik, who paid his respects by recalling his father's significant contributions to Odisha's development and his role in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system and empowering women1.
Controversy Over Panchayati Raj Divas
The BJP government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, sparked controversy by deciding to celebrate Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24, aligning with the national observance, instead of March 5, which coincided with Biju Patnaik's birthday. This decision broke from the tradition followed in Odisha celebrating Panchayati Raj Divas on Biju Patnaik's birthday. The government also canceled the public holiday on March 5. This move has been interpreted by some as an attempt by the BJP government to diminish the legacy of Biju Patnaik, a prominent figure for the opposition BJD.
Opposition Criticism
The decision to delink Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Divas drew sharp criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), founded by Biju Patnaik's son, Naveen Patnaik. BJD leaders accused the BJP government of disrespecting Biju Patnaik's legacy and attempting to erase his contributions to the state. They argued that celebrating Panchayati Raj Divas on Biju Patnaik's birthday was a long-standing tradition in Odisha and reflected his commitment to grassroots democracy.
Public Reactions and Protests
The BJD held protests near Biju Patnaik's statue at Bhubaneswar airport, demanding the government to withdraw its decision. They threatened to launch statewide agitations if the government did not reverse its decision. BJD leaders emphasised Biju Patnaik's pioneering role in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system and accused the BJP government of playing politics with his legacy.
Government Justification
The Odisha government defended its decision, stating that it was aimed at addressing the inconsistency between the national and state-level celebrations of Panchayati Raj Day. They emphasized that March 5 would remain a day to honor Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary with appropriate celebrations.
