Berhampur, Jan. 9: Leaders of the BJD today hailed Biju Patnaik as prabad purush (legendary personality) at the first-ever Biju Bikash Samabesh held at Gandhi Square in Patapur under Sanakhemundi block in Ganjam district.

They also dubbed chief minister Naveen Patnaik as bikas purush (one who stands for development) and said the party would organise similar conventions throughout the state at district, block and grassroots levels in the next three months.

Former minister Surya Narayan Patro, who presided over the convention, described it as "historic".

The convention's aim was to sensitise local residents about the state government's programmes.

The rally assumes significance in view of the upcoming panchayat polls and the criticism aimed at the BJD government over irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries for ration cards under the National Food Security Act.

BJD leaders said the large turnout at the convention was a fitting reply to both the Congress and the BJP. Around 50 buses and other vehicles ferried the supporters to the convention site from all across the district.

"Such a huge congregation of Naveen supporters is a warning to the Congress leaders, who are waging a political battle against the BJD and the BJP-led NDA government, which has been neglecting Odisha," said Aska MP Ladu Kishore Swain.

Three ministers from the district - Usha Devi, Bikram Keshari Arukh and Pradeep Panigrahi - and eight MLAs attended the convention. "Biju babu had laid emphasis on ' gaon ku kama, maa ku samman' (employment at villages and respect for women). Naveen Patnaik is taking his work forward," said Devi.

"Odisha has turned into a self-sufficient state. We must carry the message of peace and development of the chief minister to the people," said Panigrahi.

"The state government would see to it that all the poor receive ration cards," said Patro. Berhampur MP Siddhanta Mahapatra also attended the event.