Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt on Monday announced that the state will now observe Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, shifting from the earlier date of March 5, to align with the national celebrations. BJD, however, alleged a political motive since March 5 is the birth anniversary of party ideologue Biju Patnaik.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal, which also includes the observation of Public Service Day on the same date, April 24. The decision aims to resolve the inconsistency between national and state-level celebrations, a statement issued by the CMO said.
April 24, celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day across India, is marked by the presentation of various awards to panchayat representatives, including the prestigious National Pride Gram Sabha Award and the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme Award. The govt said Biju’s birth anniversary on March 5 will continue to be celebrated with grandeur, though not as a public holiday and not as Panchayati Raj Day.
Senior BJD leaders have expressed concern over the decision to discontinue the celebration of Panchayati Raj Day on March 5, warning it could create an “acrimonious ambience” in the state. Speaking to media persons, BJD veteran Debi Prasad Mishra said discontinuing the three-decade-old tradition would not serve democratic interests. “This celebration has been an integral part of our state’s democratic fabric since the 1990s,” Mishra said.
Party leader Sanjay Dasburma highlighted the significance of the date, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, describing him as “a legendary freedom fighter known globally for his heroism.” “Biju Babu’s contribution to strengthening the panchayati raj system was immense, particularly his role in implementing 33% reservation for women in panchayati raj institutions,” Dasburma added. BJP MLA Amar Nayak said the Mohan Majhi-led govt would respect all personalities of Odisha, including Biju Babu.
On his birthday on March 5, 1993, Biju as CM had first celebrated the day as Panchayati Raj Day by convening a conference of panchayat representatives that day.