BJD, BJP exchange words over change in I-Day parade venue, format

The Odisha government's decision to change the venue and format of the state-level Independence Day function this year has triggered a sparring between opposition BJP and the ruling BJD.

The state government has decided to hold the function at the IDCO Exhibition ground this time, instead of the old venue at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Besides, the conventional mass march past, including those by the police, school and college students and several groups of women and children, has also been cancelled and only a limited number of contingents will take part in it.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the principal opposition in the state, has raised questions on changing the venue as well as the format of the function.

"Why have such changes been made?," state BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan asked, while questioning the rationale for abandoning the 72-year-old tradition.

He further said, "Is it a fact that the government cancelled the mass parade because the chief minister is unable to stand for a long time to take the salute? If true, it is extremely unfortunate."
Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) spokesman and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra countered the BJP allegations and said, "In a democracy, it is always expected that the states will follow the national model, especially while celebrating occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day. Republic Day is parade-based and Independence Day is speech-based."