Odisha Government Shifts Panchayati Raj Day to April 24, Sparks Political Backlash

Panchayati Raj Day holds immense significance in India's democratic framework as it commemorates the empowerment of local governance through the Panchayati Raj system. It is observed nationally on April 24, marking the passage of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which strengthened grassroots democracy in India. In Odisha, however, Panchayati Raj Day had traditionally been celebrated on March 5 to coincide with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, a visionary leader credited with major contributions to the state’s development. Notably, in 1991, Odisha became the first state to introduce 30% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions under Biju Patnaik’s leadership, a reform that later inspired national policies. Recently, the BJP-led Odisha government decided to align the state’s Panchayati Raj Divas with the national observance on April 24, officially separating it from Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary, a move that has sparked political controversy. Government’s Decision: Aligning with National Panchayati Raj Day On Monday, the Odisha government announced that Panchayati Raj Divas would no longer be observed on March 5 but instead on April 24, in sync with the national celebrations. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the decision, stating that the change would eliminate inconsistencies between national and state-level celebrations of Panchayati Raj Day. As part of the decision, the government also:

• Declared March 5 solely as the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik.
• Canceled the public holiday that had been observed on March 5.
• Announced April 24 as 'Lokseva Divas' or Public Service Day in Odisha.

The government justified the move by pointing out that April 24 is the day when the central government recognizes Panchayati Raj institutions nationwide, awarding panchayat representatives for their contributions to local governance. Biju Patnaik’s Legacy in Strengthening Panchayati Raj Biju Patnaik’s legacy in decentralizing governance and empowering Panchayati Raj institutions remains a defining feature of Odisha’s political history. His policies not only transformed rural development in the state but also paved the way for national-level reforms. Some of his key contributions include:

• Introducing 30% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions in Odisha in 1991.
• Strengthening grassroots democracy by advocating for more autonomy and financial independence for village-level institutions.
• Promoting inclusive governance by ensuring marginalized communities had a voice in decision-making.

Successive governments, including his son Naveen Patnaik’s administration, continued to honor his legacy by celebrating March 5 as Panchayati Raj Divas. In 2020, the BJD government even declared it as both Panchayati Raj Day and Lokseva Divas. Political Reactions: BJD Slams BJP Government’s Move The decision to separate Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Day has sparked sharp reactions from the opposition, particularly the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra condemned the move, calling it a "dishonour" to Biju Patnaik’s contributions to grassroots democracy. He stated: "It is unfortunate that the BJP government has delinked Biju Patnaik’s name from Panchayati Raj Divas. Biju Babu played a key role in strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions not just in Odisha but across India. The decision hurts the sentiments of lakhs of panchayat representatives in Odisha." The opposition also pointed out that the previous Congress governments had continued the tradition of celebrating March 5 as Panchayati Raj Day, regardless of political differences, recognizing Biju Patnaik’s contributions. BJP’s Justification: A Step Towards National Uniformity Defending its decision, the BJP-led government argued that aligning Odisha’s Panchayati Raj celebrations with the national date was a logical step. A senior government official stated: "The decision to celebrate Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24 has been taken to clear the confusion between state and national observances." "We will also celebrate Lokseva Divas on April 24, reinforcing the importance of public service." By moving Panchayati Raj Day to April 24, the BJP aims to integrate Odisha’s local governance celebrations with the national framework, ensuring that the state is represented in central-level awards and recognitions for Panchayati Raj institutions. The BJP-led Odisha government’s decision to delink Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Divas marks a significant shift in the state’s political and historical narrative. While the move aligns Odisha with the national Panchayati Raj celebrations, it has also triggered opposition backlash, with the BJD viewing it as an attempt to downplay Biju Patnaik’s legacy. As the debate continues, the larger question remains whether this decision will impact the political landscape in Odisha, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. Regardless of the controversy, Biju Patnaik’s contributions to Odisha’s governance and the Panchayati Raj system remain an integral part of the state’s history, shaping its democratic institutions for decades to come.   (With inputs from agencies)