Biju Babus’105th Birth Anniversary; Odisha Pays Rich Tribute

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar: Odisha on Friday paid rich tributes to legendary leader Biju Patnaik as his five-time Chief Minister son Naveen Patnaik called upon people to keep alive the ideologies of “service and self-esteem” followed by the veteran politician all through his life. The Chief Minister said this while addressing a function marking the celebration of the freedom fighter’s 105th birth anniversary.

Biju Patnaik was chief minister of Odisha twice in mid-60s and first half of 90s. The State Government also observed the day as ‘Panchayati Raj Day’ as Biju Patnaik was instrumental in decentralising power to the grassroots level. As part of his efforts towards women empowerment, Biju Patnaik for the first time in the country, reserved 33 per cent seats for women in the three-tire panchayat elections during his tenure as the chief minister between 1990 and 1995.

Naveen Patnaik, the younger son of the legendary leader, subsequently enhanced the women quota to 50 per cent in the panchayats and urban local bodies polls. Going further, Naveen Patnaik is now advocating for implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in Assemblies and Lok Sabha polls.

Stating that Biju Patnaik was epitome of Odia pride, Naveen said that he all along dedicated his life to the service of the people while marinating Odia ‘Swaabhimaan’ (self-esteem). He said the State has made progress basing its policies on Biju Patnaik’s ideologies.

Odisha Government’s department of Sports and Youth Services organised a mini marathon at Kalinga Stadium here marking the Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary. Sports Minister Tushar Kanti Behera flagged off the marathon race the in presence of hockey legend Dilip Tirkey. The ruling BJD’s youth and students’ wing also took out a mass cycle rally from Biju Patnaik’s birth place of Cuttack to Bhubaneswar. The rally, starting from Anand Bhawan in Cuttack, culminated near Bhubaneswar Airport.

Meanwhile, tributes poured in from across India on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and many Union ministers took to twitter to pay tribute to Biju Patnaik.

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