India, March 4 -- The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha over the cancellation of Panchayati Raj Diwas celebrations on March 5. The party termed the move "politically motivated" and alleged that it aimed to erase Biju Patnaik's legacy.

On Monday, the chief minister Mohan Majhi-led state government announced that March 5, the birth anniversary of former CM Biju Patnaik, henceforth would not be celebrated as Panchayati Raj Diwas as was being done over the last two decades.

"March 5 is the birth anniversary of Odisha's great son Biju Patnaik. The state government has decided to celebrate it with grand celebrations. However, the day will not be observed as a g...