Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured the legacy of Biju Patnaik on Thursday, describing the legendary leader as a symbol of Odia pride who transcended partisan politics to dedicate his life to the state’s progress.
Speaking at a state-level event commemorating the 110th birth anniversary celebrations of the legendary leader in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister emphasised that Biju Patnaik is more than a historical figure; he remains a living source of inspiration and the primary architect of modern Odisha.
Paying rich tributes to the veteran politician, CM Majhi said, “He (Biju Patnaik) was not just an individual but an institution and an ideology. Courage, foresight and patriotism were the defining traits of his life.”
He underscored Patnaik’s multifaceted goals for the state, which included industrial prosperity, job creation, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and the revitalisation of the Panchayati Raj system for rural growth.
“The vision of ‘Samruddha Odisha’ is the collective embodiment of all these dreams. Only through building a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ can Biju Babu’s dreams be fulfilled. Our government will surely fulfil the dreams of Biju Babu by building a ‘Samruddha Odisha’,” he added.
ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha ଜୟଦେବ ଭବନରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ପୂର୍ବତନ ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ତଥା ଜନନାୟକ ବିଜୁ ପଟ୍ଟନାୟକଙ୍କ ରାଜ୍ୟସ୍ତରୀୟ ଜୟନ୍ତୀ ପାଳନ ଅବସରରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି । pic.twitter.com/Mwb0msjwZ4
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) March 5, 2026
Majhi noted that the government is actively strengthening local governance and improving rural infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and education, to align with this vision.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s burgeoning economic capacity, noting a record budget allocation of Rs 34,166 crore for the Panchayati Raj Department for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
To accelerate industrialisation—a key pillar of Patnaik’s vision—the government has successfully attracted investments exceeding Rs 20 lakh crore over the past 20 months, significantly boosting employment opportunities for the youth.
CM Majhi reiterated that the ‘double-engine government’ is dedicated to making Patnaik’s dreams a reality.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, efforts are underway to transform Odisha into the industrial heart of eastern India, he added.
The Chief Minister also reflected on Patnaik’s heroic contributions to India’s independence, specifically citing his daring roles during the Quit India Movement and the 1947 Kashmir crisis.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister called upon everyone to advance the prosperity of Odisha and the pride of the Odia community by embracing Biju Patnaik’s ideals and joining hands collectively.
