Bhubaneswar, Dec 16: BJD Legislators on Tuesday sought Bharat Ratna for former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
The rulling party member made this demand while participating in a discussion on a motion on ‘Biju Patnaik’s role in freedom struggle and ‘nation building’ moved by Government Chief Whip Anant Das.
MLA Bed Prakash Agrawal said the former Biju Patnaik had played a bigger role in the freedom struggle of the country and his efforts for development of Odisha and upholding country’s dignity is well remembered by all.
Tribal leader Mangala Kisan, who was picked from an agricultural field and made a minister by Biju Patnaik, talked about how the legendary leader never bothered about criticism while taking up developmental works.
BJD members participated in the discussion in the absence of opposition members, who had staged walkouts protesting suspension order on Congress MLA Naba Das.
