Bhubaneswar, April 17 -- Ashok Panda, a former Minister and BJD leader, on Thursday strongly criticised the BJP-led government in Odisha, accusing it of disrespecting the legendary leader Biju Patnaik.

The remarks came on the occasion of the former Chief Minister's death anniversary, which was observed at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

Earlier on Tuesday, senior BJD leader and former minister Pratap Jena also condemned the recent incidents of disrespect towards Biju Patnaik, including the reported burning of his statue in Bolangir.

"It is unfortunate that ever since the BJP came to power, they have been trying to erase the legacy of Biju Patnaik. They discontinued Panchayati Raj Divas, observed on his birth anniversary, and scrap...