By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 17, 2017 : Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal [BJD] president Naveen Patnaik on Monday chose the death anniversary of his late father Biju Patnaik to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party’s [BJP] allegation of non-development in the state.

Addressing the party leaders and activists on the occasion, the CM said that the development momentum of Odisha was on the ‘right track.’

Patnaik’s assertion comes a day after several leaders of BJP during its two-day National Executive Meet here alleged that the ruling BJD had failed on several fronts to develop Odisha.

“Odisha Government was growing with an inclusive agenda based on the vision of late Biju Patnaik,” said Naveen without directly attacking BJP.

Odisha is the role model for several States as the growth rate of the state has been higher than the National average, Naveen said asserting that considerable improvement has been achieved in terms of infrastructure, education, healthcare and other spheres.

Rich tributes were paid to legendary Biju Patnaik on his 20th death anniversary by leaders cutting across party lines and people from all hues paid rich tributes to the leader and recalled his contribution in building modern Odisha.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), named after the legendary leader, organised a host of programmes across the state in an apparent exercise after BJP’s national executive meeting, which concluded at Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

A motor-cycle rally was taken out by BJD workers in the state capital as a mark of honour to the late leader as several party leaders sought Bharat Ratna to Biju Patnaik, considered as the architect of modern Odisha.