The legendary (05/03/1916 - 17/04/1997)
Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the regional party of Odisha, is named after the legendary former Chief Minister and architect of modern Odisha, late Shri Biju Patnaik. It was founded on 26th December 1997 with deep rooted belief in secularism and value-based politics, and exemplary commitment to the development of Odisha and its people. Much of the popularity and electoral success of the party is credited to Shri Naveen Patnaik’s image as an incorruptible and clean leader. A true leader of the masses and the champion of the cause of Odias, late Shri Biju Patnaik, fondly remembered as Biju Babu by its people, is the guiding light for the BJD. His entire life was dedicated to safeguarding the political and cultural foundations of Odisha, and improving the socio-economic lot of its people. Biju Babu’s integrity, vision and selfless dedication to the cause of Odisha and its people have greatly influenced the leaders, youth and workers in the party. Though the BJD has participated in several ruling coalitions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) both at the Centre and in Odisha, it, however, was one of the main professedly secular parties of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). BJD has a staunch secular and democratic outlook, and has always taken a firm and unequivocal stand against communal forces. It has always been top on the agenda of the party, since its inception, to fight against corruption in public life and the deliberate and willful neglect of the State by successive Governments at the Centre. The Party believes in continuously working towards the upliftment of weaker sections of society and fighting against social injustice. The Party has always stood for, supported and advocated in favour of women, youths, farmers, labourers, workers’ unions (Labour unions), religious minorities, and the weaker/backward sections of the society. It is committed to ensure provisions of food, shelter and clothing to the common man at affordable and sustainable prices. Odisha has witnessed unprecedented growth and development in the last decade under the stewardship of its upright, committed and dynamic Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.
BJD President
Biju Janata Dal is inspired to make the dream of legendary Biju Babu a reality; which aims at building an Odisha that lifts all Odias. It is the mission of BJD, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, to protect the dignity and self-respect of 4 crores Odias; and to focus on the all-round development and overall welfare of Odisha, and its people. Providing a secular, corruption-free and welfare state, based on the basic tenets of social justice and equality for all, has been guiding principle and values of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the founding President of the party.
Since its inception, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has marched ahead to win every single election, be it elections to the Lok Sabha, state Assembly or the Urban local bodies. It has been in Government since 2000, wining the state Assembly elections for a historic 4th consecutive term this past May. The party has won every election in the state since 2000, trouncing the opponents by huge margins. It has set a new precedence in the era of electoral politics in Odisha with the unprecedented victory march, election after election. The people of Odisha know that it is their beloved CM Sri Naveen Patnaik who has their best in his mind, heart and soul and it is Naveen Babu in whom they trust and believe. It is Naveen Babu and the BJD’s conch which they always turn to when the electoral bells chime.