Bhubaneswar: A group of senior political leaders and long-time associates of Biju Patnaik on Friday announced the formation of ‘Odisha Nagarik Manch’ (ONM), positioning it as a platform to uphold the late leader’s ideology and legacy.
The announcement was made on the 29th death anniversary of the legendary leader, with several of his former associates and followers gathering under one umbrella and asserting themselves as the true torchbearers of his vision. Biju Patnaik had served as the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1961 to 1963 and again from 1990 to 1995.
Among the prominent leaders associated with the ONM are Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Ray and former minister Bijoy Mohapatra, both founding members of the Biju Janata Dal, which was formed in 1997 after Patnaik’s demise.
Addressing the gathering, Bijoy Mohapatra said that Biju Patnaik did not belong to any one family. “We are the real Biju Parivar,” he asserted.
The convention also saw participation from senior leaders cutting across party lines, including former OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik, his brother Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, BJP leader Samir Mohanty, former MPs Prasanna Patsani and Braja Kishore Tripathy, along with people from various sections of society.
Two MLAs — Aravind Mohapatra and Ramakant Bhoi — who were suspended from the Biju Janata Dal for cross-voting in favour of an Independent candidate backed by the BJP in the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, also attended the event.
Calling it an “emotional moment,” Dilip Ray said the gathering resembled a family reunion of Biju loyalists from all 30 districts of Odisha. He sought to clarify what he described as “confusion” around the legacy of Biju Patnaik.
“Biju’s legacy means his works, ideals and vision for Odisha and the country. It is not about sharing his properties or assets, but about carrying forward his ideology,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bijoy Mohapatra said it was for the first time since Patnaik’s demise that his followers and loyalists were being felicitated at such a platform. “It is truly heartening to honour those carrying forward the Biju legacy,” he added.
However, the development drew criticism from the ruling Biju Janata Dal. BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo alleged that the ONM initiative was an attempt to exploit Patnaik’s name for political gain.
Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal, led by Naveen Patnaik, observed ‘Prabad Purusha Divas’ across the state to mark the 29th death anniversary of Biju Patnaik. The observances included memorial meetings, garlanding of statues, fruit distribution among patients, blood donation camps and discussions on his life and contributions.
