Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP for Changing Date of Panchayati Diwas
Former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has come down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for changing the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas. Patnaik was paying tribute to the 109th birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, his father and a legendary leader, when he made these remarks.
On Wednesday, Patnaik visited the Biju Patnaik Park in Bhubaneswar to pay his respects to his father’s memory. The occasion was marked by a series of events and tributes to Biju Patnaik, who was a key figure in Odia politics and a pioneer in the state’s development journey.
However, during his visit, Patnaik took a strong exception to the BJP’s decision to change the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind the change.
“What is the reason for changing the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas, which has been celebrated on March 5 since 1993?” Patnaik asked, expressing his disappointment and frustration at the move. “Can they change dates, names, but can’t take away the love and affection for Biju Babu?”
It is worth noting that the Panchayati Raj Diwas is an important event in Odisha’s political calendar, marking the anniversary of the passage of the 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1992. The amendment gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system, empowering rural local bodies to play a more significant role in the country’s governance.
Patnaik’s criticism of the BJP’s decision is not the first time he has taken issue with the party’s policies. As the leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Patnaik has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government’s handling of various issues, including the economy, healthcare, and education.
The BJP’s decision to change the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas has been seen as an attempt to erase the legacy of the Odisha Janata Dal (OJD), which was founded by Biju Patnaik. The OJD was a key player in Odisha’s politics for several decades, and its legacy continues to be felt in the state even today.
Patnaik’s comments have sparked a debate in Odisha, with many calling for the BJP to reconsider its decision. The opposition parties in the state have also joined the chorus, demanding that the BJP respect the legacy of Biju Patnaik and the Panchayati Raj system.
The controversy surrounding the Panchayati Raj Diwas is the latest in a series of issues that have plagued the BJP government in Odisha. The party has faced criticism for its handling of various issues, including the economy, healthcare, and education.
In recent months, the BJP government has been under fire for its decision to privatize several state-owned enterprises, including the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). The move has been seen as an attempt to undermine the interests of the state’s workers and citizens.
Similarly, the BJP government has been criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a significant increase in cases and deaths in the state. The government’s response to the crisis has been seen as inadequate, with many calling for more effective measures to combat the pandemic.
In conclusion, Naveen Patnaik’s criticism of the BJP’s decision to change the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas is a clear indication of the party’s lack of respect for the legacy of Biju Patnaik and the Panchayati Raj system. The move has sparked a debate in Odisha, with many calling for the BJP to reconsider its decision.
As the leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Patnaik has a responsibility to speak out against the BJP’s misguided policies. His criticism of the BJP’s decision is a reminder that the party’s actions will be closely scrutinized by the people of Odisha.
