Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik paid floral tribute to his father and former 2-time chief minister Bijayananda Patnaik on Tuesday at Odisha legislative Assembly premises in Bhubaneshwar.
#WATCH | Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik pays tribute to former CM and his father Biju Patnaik on his 108th birth anniversary in Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/3f3z0LHiSI
— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2024
March 5, 2024, marks the 108th birth anniversary of the leader popularly known as Biju Patnaik. He died on April 17, 1997.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the leader on X and said that ‘his visionary leadership and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations.’ The prime minister also announced that he would inaugurate multiple projects in Chandikhole town.
I pay homage to the legendary Biju Patnaik Ji on his birth anniversary. His visionary leadership and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations. His contributions to our nation and his unwavering commitment to development are exemplary.
Today, on this special day, I look…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2024
Apart from this BJP National vice-president Baijayant Panda also paid his homage to the late leader.
A pioneering aviator, Biju Patnaik had played an important role in India’s struggle for independence. His daring operations across India including over the Himalayas for assisting the Indian government earned him immense respect and admiration. His birth anniversary is also observed as Panchayati Raj Diwas in Odisha.
