Odisha to Celebrate Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24 Instead of March 5

Odisha to Celebrate Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24 Instead of March 5

In a move that has stirred political controversy, the BJP-led Odisha government has announced that Panchayati Raj Divas will no longer be celebrated on March 5, the birth anniversary of former CM Biju Patnaik. Instead, it will now be observed on April 24, aligning with National Panchayati Raj Day.

Additionally, the state holiday on March 5 has been scrapped. However, the government has assured that Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary will be celebrated with grandeur at all levels.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) clarified the decision, emphasizing that National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24 across the country. On this day, panchayat representatives from various states receive prestigious awards like the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award and the Mahatma Gandhi Assured Employment Scheme Award.

“The decision has been taken to prevent overlapping of government events on these two dates. The government is committed to honoring Biju Patnaik’s legacy, and his birth anniversary will be celebrated in a grand manner,” the CMO’s statement read.

Opposition Parties Criticize the Move

The decision has sparked strong reactions from opposition parties, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress accusing the government of disrespecting Biju Patnaik’s contributions to Odisha’s Panchayati Raj system.

BJD leaders Debi Mishra and Sanjay Dasburma highlighted that March 5 had been observed as Panchayati Raj Divas for 32 years in recognition of Biju Patnaik’s role in strengthening grassroots governance. They recalled that during his second tenure as chief minister in 1990, he introduced the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, establishing gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and zilla parishads in the state.

“The BJP government’s decision disregards Biju Babu’s immense contributions. It is an insult to his legacy,” they stated.

Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam echoed similar sentiments, insisting that Panchayati Raj Divas should continue to be observed on March 5 as per tradition. He also pointed out that even after the Congress returned to power in 1995 under JB Patnaik, the practice remained unchanged.

BJP Defends the Decision

Defending the move, BJP MLA Amar Nayak asserted that the government has not shown any disrespect to Biju Patnaik. Instead, he emphasized that the BJP government has honored several notable figures, such as Godabarish Mohapatra and Madho Singh, by launching schemes in their names.

“The decision was taken purely to align with the national observance of Panchayati Raj Day and avoid scheduling conflicts. Biju Patnaik’s contributions will continue to be honored in a befitting manner,” he added.

Despite the government’s clarification, the decision remains a contentious issue, with opposition parties vowing to oppose it.