BJD Observes 27th Foundation Day
Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal(BJD) on Tuesday observed its 27th Foundation Day across the state. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid homage to his father, Biju Patnaik, after whom the regional party was named. The BJD was established on December 26, 1997, following Biju Patnaik’s death in April of that year.Party leaders and workers throughout the state pledged to forge a ‘Nabin’ (new) Odisha, marking the occasion.
Leaders and members at the BJD state headquarters, ‘Sankha Bhavan,’ reaffirmed their commitment to selflessly serve the state and its citizens, as stated by BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra. During the event, members expressed their pride in being disciplined BJD members and pledged to work towards the development of Odisha under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. A cycle rally from ‘Anand Bhawan’ in Cuttack, Naveen Patnaik’s birthplace, to Sankha Bhavan in Bhubaneswar was organized as part of the celebration.
The Foundation Day activities extended to all blocks, urban local bodies, and 147 Assembly segments, featuring blood donation camps, tree planting initiatives, and other community service endeavors.
Mishra emphasized Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s role in steering Odisha’s development over the past 24 years, highlighting the party’s commitment to addressing the state’s legitimate demands.
Mishra also recalled that 26 years ago, Naveen Patnaik, along with other former Janata Dal (JD) leaders, founded the BJD. The regional party consistently asserts its dedication to advocating for the genuine demands of the people of Odisha and criticizes alleged mistreatment by successive Central governments. The BJD, in power in Odisha since 2000, has seen Naveen Patnaik serve as chief minister for five consecutive terms. While initially forming a government with the BJP, the BJD later severed ties before the 2009 state assembly elections, securing 103 seats independently in the 147-member Odisha Assembly. The party increased its representation to 117 seats in the 2014 elections and won 112 seats in the 2019 elections.
