The Utkal Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (UGSN) has demanded prohibition and revival of the Choudwar-based OTM and the Barbil iron plant ahead of the celebrations of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik’s birth centenary on March 5.

“In order to ensure poverty eradication, economic growth, development in law and order and women and child welfare in the State, Bijubabu had completely banned sale of liquor during his regime in the 1990s with an aim to build a healthy society,” UGSN chairman Prahllad Kumar Sinha has stated in a letter to CM Naveen Patnaik. He said Biju Patnaik had banned liquor trade across the State after the Cuttack hooch tragedy. later, prohibition was repealed. Bijubabu had given power to some women police personnel to control the businesses after realising the fact that State’s development is not possible with the consumption of alcohol. Sinha added that the present Government in its youth policy is talking about a liquor-free society after expressing concern over the growing rate of alcohol consumption. He also demanded re-opening of Bijubabu’s projects OTM and Barbil Kalinga Iron Works.

Besides, Sinha has urged the CM not to confine the birth centenary within the BJD and rather to constitute a major Biju birth centenary committee comprising freedom fighters, soldiers, creative workers, social and cultural organisations’ members, educationists, leaders of farmers, labourers and industries, women representatives and personalities from art, culture, journalism and literature.