Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to install a massive statue of Biju Patnaik at its headquarters, Shankha Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the media, BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria stated that the party holds Biju Babu in high esteem and plans to install a massive statue of him at the party headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Chhuria said, “Biju Patnaik is our role model. During Naveen Patnaik’s rule, a statue of Biju Patnaik has been installed in every district, and he is considered a role model for the Panchayati Raj system.”
This move comes two days after Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik criticized the regional party for politicizing Biju Patnaik’s name and slammed the BJD for not having a statue of Biju Babu at its headquarters.
Minister Naik had earlier stated, “Is there a statue of Biju Babu in the BJD office? Those making such big demands do not have a statue of Biju Babu in their office. They should stop politicizing the name of a legendary leader.”
The controversy began after the BJP government announced that the separation of Biju Patnaik Jayanti from Panchayati Raj Day, and March 5, Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary, would no longer be celebrated as a state holiday.
