By Bizodisha Bureau, Rourkela, March 5, 2015

The legendary leader Biju Patnaik seems to be more powerful after his death as the ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party [BJD] leaders in the steel city here virtually fought for his legacy on his 99th birth anniversary.

BJP MLA Dillip Ray from Rourkela and former MLA and BJD leader Sarada Prasad Nayak have been engaged in a verbal duel over Biju legacy in the wake of the unveiling of a 14-feet statue of Biju Patnaik at Chhend Kalinga Vihar square in the Steel City by Ray this morning.

“Someone who has never bothered to have a statue erected in the name of his father is today inaugurating a statue of Biju Babu,” Nayak said accusing Ray of cheap politics.

Ray shot back while addressing the public on the occasion, “It is amusing that the people, who had no access to Biju Pattnaik and had shown him black flags and garlanded his portrait with shoes are now claiming to work to fulfill his dreams.”

Nayak was in the Congress prior to joining the BJD.

Ray also made it clear of his close association with Biju Babu, particularly during his last stage of life. “I have profound respect for Biju Babu despite my affiliation to another political party. Biju Babu is beyond politics and party. I feel sorry for those who do not realize my selfless respect for the legendary leader. I believe that those who are trying to link it to politics are only venting out their frustration,” Ray said.

Even the Congress leader and former union minister Srikant Jena asserted that Biju Patnaik is no body’s property. “By naming a party in Biju babu’s name, Naveen Patnaik had done grave injustice to the personality of the great leader from the state”.