Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22: The celebration of former chief minister Biju Patnaik's birth centenary on March 5 has been dragged into a controversy as a section of BJD leaders have opposed excise minister Damodar Rout's move to organise a function on the occasion in Paradip.

The leaders are upset as Rout has invited the late leader's associates such as Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav to grace the function.

Reacting to Rout's announcement, BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena said: "The party has not given its consent for any such function to be organised by Dama babu. He might be organising it in his personal capacity."

On this, Rout said: "There is no need for me to take permission from anybody to organise a meet to honour one of the greatest sons of the soil. Those who have raised the objection should come forward to learn the basics from me," said Rout, who is known for his acerbic remarks. "Biju babu set up Paradip port. The function is being organised by the Biju Memorial Trust as a mark of respect. There should be no politics over this."

Rout said he had also invited governor S.C. Jamir and chief minister Naveen Patnaik to the function. "I am not committing any sin," Rout said.

Rout said the invitees were yet to confirm their participation. The trust has proposed to lay the foundation stone of a Biju Minaar (a building) in the memory of the late leader.

The 74-year-old leader is considered a Biju loyalist.

Jena, however, said: "Rout will soon realise whether he was taking the right step."

In another development, the BJD today formed five committees to celebrate Biju's birth centenary. Rout has been nominated as a member of the centenary committee.