Bhubaneswar, April 17: The death anniversary of legendary leader Biju Patnaik is being observed across Odisha today with extensive programmes and political activities.

Under the banner of the Odisha Citizens’ Forum, several former associates of Biju Babu are scheduled to gather at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. Observers believe the developments on this day could influence emerging political equations in Odisha.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is observing the day as “Prabad Purusha Diwas” at Shankha Bhavan and across all constituencies. Party president Naveen Patnaik will join the programme via video conferencing from New Delhi. In the evening, the BJD parliamentary party will hold a commemorative event at the Constitution Club of India, which is expected to be attended by Naveen Patnaik.

Separately, the Odisha Citizens’ Forum will organise a meeting at 10 AM at OUAT. Senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra said the gathering is intended to pay tribute to Biju Patnaik and is not political in nature. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik added that people who care for Odisha will take part in the event.

At the official level, tribute programmes are also scheduled at the Assembly premises, where the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, ministers and legislators will offer floral tributes to the statue of Biju Patnaik.