Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 17 (ANI): Ashok Panda, a former Minister and BJD leader, on Thursday strongly criticised the BJP-led government in Odisha, accusing it of disrespecting the legendary leader Biju Patnaik. The remarks came on the occasion of the former Chief Minister's death anniversary, which was observed at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar.Earlier on Tuesday, senior BJD leader and former minister Pratap Jena also condemned the recent incidents of disrespect towards Biju Patnaik, including the reported burning of his statue in Bolangir."It is unfortunate that ever since the BJP came to power, they have been trying to erase the legacy of Biju Patnaik. They discontinued Panchayati Raj Divas, observed on his birth anniversary, and scrapped various schemes named after him. But the people of Odisha will never forget his contributions to the state's development," Jena said.Earlier in the day, BJD leaders, including party president Naveen Patnaik, paid floral tributes to Biju Patnaik at a commemorative event held at Sankha Bhawan.On the same day, Naveen Patnaik also filed his nomination for the post of BJD president for a ninth consecutive term, having previously served eight terms successfully. The nomination was submitted in the presence of senior leaders and State Returning Officer (SRO) Pratap Deb.Deb confirmed that Patnaik was the sole nominee for the top post. "Since there was only one nomination, he will be elected unopposed. The formal announcement will be made the day after tomorrow," Deb said.The BJD was founded on December 26, 1997, and named after its legendary leader, Biju Patnaik, the father of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of the state for two terms, the first from 1961 to 1963 and then from 1990 to 1995. He passed away on April 17, 1997.The 2024 elections in Odisha saw a stark contrast in the performance of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 78 seats out of 147, surpassing the majority mark and forming the government under Mohan Charan Majhi.The BJD secured 51 seats, losing power after 24 years in office. Three independent MLAs later joined the BJP, increasing its tally to 81 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) won 14 seats.The BJP dominated the Lok Sabha elections, winning 20 out of 21 seats in Odisha. The BJD failed to secure even a single seat, despite having a strong presence in the state. The Congress managed to win one seat. (ANI)