Bhubaneswar, December 26: Maintaining that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is not about one or two leaders, BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Friday asserted that the party will continue to exist for 100 years.
“I want to make it clear that Biju Janata Dal is not about one or two leaders - It is a people’s movement, deeply connected to Odia aspirations and pride. The Biju Janata Dal exists and continue to exist for 100 years,” said Patnaik while addressing party workers and leaders at the Sankha Bhavan on the occasion of party’s 29th foundation day.
Highlighting the importance of youth in a political party, Patnaik said, “Youth are one of the most important assets of our Party. I would expect them to be more active in social media and counter misinformation. In politics patience is important. Together we will transform today’s challenge into tomorrow’s opportunity and continue our effort for an empowered Odisha.”
The former Chief Minister also came down heavily on the BJP Government in the State for the alleged deteriorating law and order situation and rising incidents of crimes against women in the State.
“The period from 2000-2024 was a golden period for Odisha. We have successfully fight against poverty, starvation, infant mortality and natural calamity. In last eighteen months of double engine Sarkar, 18 question papers have been leaked. Law and order situation have gone worsen. Crimes against women are on the rise. Even minor girls are not safe,” said Patnaik.
Founded on December 26, 1997, the BJD ruled Odisha uninterrupted for over two decades before suffering a shock defeat in the last Assembly elections.
