India, March 4 -- A day after the Odisha government decided to delink Biju Patnaik Jayanti from Panchayati Raj Divas and announced March 5 will not be observed as a holiday in the State anymore, the Opposition BJD and Congress lambasted the ruling BJP for the move, on Tuesday.

"He (Biju Patnaik) had taken steps in 1993 to strengthen Panchayati Raj system. Since those days, the Panchayati Raj system is gradually becoming stronger. Hence, his birthday was then being observed as Panchayati Raj Divas, till the recent times. The present government came to power by talking about Odia Asmita (Odia Pride) but is not respecting the legendary leader," BJD's Pramila Mallik alleged while speaking to mediapersons.

"We condemn this step. Biju Patnaik...