Political leaders of the State seem to be divided over the demand for conferment of Bharat Ratna on late former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
Even as the majority of ruling BJD and Opposition BJP leaders are unanimous in their opinion, yet the rest few feel that the award, if conferred, would not make any difference.
The State Government had passed a resolution in the last session of the Assembly in absence of opposition members seeking Bharat Ratna to Bijubabu.
BJP leader and Rourkela MlA Dilip Ray has written to the Centre many times demanding honoring Bijubabu with the highest civilian award. Notably, Ray pioneered in installing Biju Patnaik’s statue in Rourkela.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also been vocal in his opinion on conferring the award on Bijubabu.
On the other hand, Utkal Bharat president and former MP Kharavela Swain has been opposing the proposal. He has openly criticised it. Similarly, TMC State president Arya Kumar Jnanendra has also opposed it.
Speaking on the issue, Utkal Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (UGSN) president Prahalad Kumar Singh said conferring Bharat Ratna on Bijubabu will not make any difference. He demanded repealing of Bharat Ratna and other awards like Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
“The contribution to the nation and State by Biju Patnaik surpasses those of the 45 veterans, who have been conferred Bharat Ratna till date,” said former Minister Surendra Nath Nayak.
“The award to Bijubabu will not improve condition of poor people in Odisha,” said columnist Tusharkant.
Odisha Mada Mukti Abhiyan (OMMA) convenor Pramila Swain said, “It does not matter whether Bijubabu is conferred Bharat Ratna or not, but transforming his dreams and work into reality by the BJD is what matters. The leader had played a key role in controlling illegal liquor trade in the State during his regime. If the ruling BJD led by his son Naveen Patnaik imposes prohibition in Odisha, it will be a befitting tribute to the great soul.”