Biju Patnaik’s vision of Odisha’s development is being continued by the BJD. Odisha is among the frontrunners so far as development is concerned, said BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function at the BJD headquarters here on the occasion of the 20th death anniversary of Biju Patnaik on Monday.

The State Government was working for development of the farmers, poor people and the persons with disabilities (PWDs). And women played an important role in the BJD’s developmental plans, claimed Patnaik.

However, the BJD’s MPs, MlAs and other leaders again lashed out at the Centre accusing it of neglecting the State. They said the BJP was only shouting slogans and wouldn’t do anything for Odisha. In the issues of Mahanadi, Polavaram and conferring of Bharat Ratna on Biju Patnaik, the Central Government had been adopting a step-motherly attitude towards Odisha, they said.

 “We would take Constitutional and legal measures on the Mahanadi water issue. They have forgotten that the BJD Government has implemented more than 40 welfare schemes for the people,” they added.

On the occasion, a huge motorcycle rally was held from Ram Mandir Square to the BJD headquarters. Besides, party activists from different parts of the State thronged the party head office. In the morning, the Chief Minister had paid floral tributes to the statues of Bijubabu at the Biju Patnaik Park and in the State Assembly premises.

On the day, huge cutouts of the legendary leader were put up in different prominent junctions of the city.

Political observers felt that the BJD being jittery over the BJP’s growing influence in the State tried to counter it by observing Biju Patnaik’s death anniversary in a grand manner.