The Odisha government has launched a year-long celebration for the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, a freedom fighter, writer, and former Chief Minister. Known as “Utkal Keshari,” Mahatab’s legacy is being emphasized by the BJP to revive Odia pride and challenge the dominance of Biju Patnaik’s legacy.

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• Harekrushna Mahatab was a freedom fighter, born in 1899, and known as “Utkal Keshari.”
• Instrumental in Odisha’s integration of princely states and shifting its capital to Bhubaneswar.
• Pioneered key projects, including the Hirakud dam, shaping modern Odisha’s infrastructure.
• Part of Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement; jailed several times by the British.
• Elected to the Constituent Assembly; served as Odisha’s last Prime Minister and later as Chief Minister.
• Left Congress in 1966 after a fallout with Indira Gandhi, opposing the Emergency.
• Founded Prajatantra newspaper in 1923; still operational under BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab.
• BJP seeks to reclaim his legacy, countering Congress and BJD narratives in Odisha.
• Plans include memorials, seminars, republishing his works, and establishing research centers.
• BJP emphasizes his nationalist contributions, appealing to voters ahead of upcoming elections.