The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which started operations in a small government quarter 26 years ago, now has a sprawling building complex of its own.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday inaugurated the three-storey building named Shankha Bhaban after the party symbol conch (called shankha in Odia). A huge conch made of fibre has been placed on the first floor of the building.

Dedicating the building to the people of Odisha, Naveen said: “This Sankha Bhaban will be an inspirational space for not just physical, social, economic, cultural and political growth but also spiritual growth rooted in the principle of Jagannath culture. It will continue to spread Jagannath culture across the globe while sending out the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).”

Huge portraits of Lord Jagannath and his siblings adorn the new BJD office. One of Biju Patnaik’s photos with his message “Lord Jagannath is the only leader of Odisha” and pictures of Puri Rath Yatra and three chariots embossed on it adorns the front part of the auditorium.

Naveen said the Shankha Bhaban would unite 4.5 crore people of the state. “All the programmes of Shankha Bhaban will be dedicated to the people of the state and aimed at protecting the interest of the state,” he said.

Naveen recalled how 1997 heralded a new era in the state’s politics with the formation of BJD based on the principles and ideology of Biju Patnaik. The party, which served the people of Odisha, has now been transformed into a social movement, Naveen added.

Around 2,000 party workers and leaders attended the inauguration. “At least, now one has a sitting place in the new office. I like the building,” said Kanhu Charan Behera, a party worker.

The new building comes during Naveen’s fifth term as the chief minister.

The party demolished the government quarter from which it was running its operations earlier and built this magnificent building with parking facilities for nearly 100 cars in the basement. On the first floor, there is a huge conference hall with a sitting capacity of 2,000. It also has an auditorium for 250 people.

The halls of the office will be named after stalwarts such as Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, Rama Devi, Baji Rout and many others. The talisman of Mahatma Gandhi has been kept in the building along with famous artefacts from 30 districts.

BJD president and other office-bearers will have their own office space. Around 30 rooms have been constructed for the purpose. The party’s IT cell will also operate from here.