The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly opposed the Odisha government’s recent decision to change the date of Panchayati Raj Divas from March 5 to April 24. In response, the party has announced state-wide protests on March 6 to express its disagreement.
Why is March 5 Important for Odisha?
According to Sanjay Das Burma, a senior BJD leader, March 5 holds special significance because it is the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and a major force behind the Panchayati Raj system in the state.
For more than three decades, Odisha has been celebrating March 5 as Panchayati Raj Divas, honoring Biju Patnaik’s contributions to local governance. However, the current BJP-led Odisha government has decided to shift the celebration to April 24, aligning it with the national Panchayati Raj Day observed by the central government since 2010.
BJD’s Reaction: Protest on March 6
Sanjay Das Burma called the decision an insult to Odisha’s history and legacy. He announced that while the BJD will celebrate Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary on March 5, the party will hold protests on March 6 across the state against what they call the government’s “anti-constitutional attitude.”
Burma urged youths, students, women, and all citizens of Odisha to join the protest, arguing that changing the date of Panchayati Raj Divas is a deceptive act by the state government and a disrespect to Biju Patnaik’s contributions.
Biju Patnaik’s Role in Panchayati Raj
Biju Patnaik, often called Biju Babu, played a crucial role in strengthening Panchayati Raj in Odisha.
- Pioneering the Three-Tier System: He was among the first leaders in India to implement a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, ensuring that local self-governance reached villages.
- Empowering Women: Biju Patnaik was the first Chief Minister in India to introduce 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, which later inspired similar policies across the country.
- Vision for Rural Development: He promoted the idea of “Gaon Ku Kama, Maa Ku Samman”, which means job opportunities in villages and dignity for women.
According to Burma, Biju Patnaik believed that Odisha and India could not progress unless women were empowered and given roles in decision-making at the grassroots level.
The 1992 Constitutional Amendments and Panchayati Raj
BJD leaders argue that Biju Patnaik’s reforms laid the foundation for the national-level 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, which formally established the Panchayati Raj across India.
They claim that Odisha was ahead of the central government in implementing these reforms, and that the BJP government’s attempt to change the date of celebration is an attempt to erase Odisha’s unique contribution.
State vs. National Panchayati Raj Celebrations
- Odisha has been celebrating Panchayati Raj Divas on March 5 since 1991 in honor of Biju Patnaik.
- The central government started celebrating National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 in 2010 to mark the 1992 constitutional amendments.
- The Odisha government’s decision to shift its celebration to April 24 is seen by BJD as a political move to align with the BJP-led central government, ignoring Odisha’s long-standing tradition.
A Political and Emotional Issue
For the BJD, this is more than just a change in date; it is a matter of pride and historical recognition. They argue that shifting the celebration to April 24 undermines Odisha’s role in pioneering Panchayati Raj reforms.
The protests scheduled for March 6 are expected to be a major political event, with BJD leaders rallying supporters across the state. The controversy reflects deeper political tensions between BJD and BJP, especially as Odisha gears up for future elections.
Would you like a further breakdown of how this impacts upcoming elections or the political strategies involved?
