Bhubaneswar, Nov. 22 -- The BJP and Congress today came down heavily on the BJD, alleging that the regional party neglected Dr Harekrushna Mahtab's birth anniversary celebrations during its regime in Odisha.

Senior BJP leader and Odisha Law MinisterPrithviraj Harichandan said it is unfortunate that the BJD had stopped the state-level birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Harekrushna Mahtab during the last two years.

Minister Harichandan pointed out that the BJD has consistently honoured former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik while neglecting other notable figures. "For a long time, the BJD only focused on Biju Babu, overshadowing the contributions of other great personalities. This is not in line with Odisha's traditions," he said.

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