A series of events were organised in the city on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of late Biju Patnaik which is celebrated as the Panchayati Raj Day in Odisha.
The day also marked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s completion of 15 years as Chief Minister of the State. He had first taken oath as Chief Minister on March 5, 2000 on the birth anniversary of his late father.
The day started with Mr. Patnaik paying floral tributes at the statue of his late father and flagging off a mini marathon in the morning.
While several events were organised by different Departments of the State government, a meeting was also organised at the headquarters of the ruling Biju Janata Dal which Mr. Patnaik has been heading since its inception in December 1997.
Addressing the party workers, Mr. Patnaik spoke in his usual style blaming the Central Government for allegedly neglecting the State’s cause and urged those present to intensify fight against the Centre for their rights.
A blood donation camp was also organised at the BJD headquarters where many leaders and workers of the party donated blood. The party has announced to organise similar camps under the initiative titled “Jeevan Bindu” at various places across the State in the coming months.
Another State-level function was organised in the Capital city to commemorate the Panchayati Raj Day which was also addressed by Mr. Patnaik.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the 11th edition of Entrepreneurs Week that also coincided with the birth anniversary of late Biju Patnaik. He also inaugurated a three-day long State level agricultural fair during the day.
The day ended with one more State-level function organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations to pay homage to late Biju Patnaik. The Chief Minister attended the meeting as Chief Guest.
