Bhubaneswar, 31 March (H.S.) During Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly, Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya strongly objected to the alleged remarks made about former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, stating that he was a symbol of pride and self-respect for every Odia.

Acharya said that the derogatory and baseless comments made by a BJP MP in Delhi against Biju Patnaik—an eminent freedom fighter and one of the key architects of modern Odisha—have deeply hurt the state’s identity and sentiments. He asserted that such remarks not only insult Biju Patnaik but also deal a severe blow to the collective pride of the Odia community.

He further stated that the entire country is protesting against the remarks and that the Assembly cannot remain a silent spectator on such a sensitive issue. Highlighting Patnaik’s contributions, Acharya recalled his role in the freedom struggle, his imprisonment, and his critical involvement during the Kashmir crisis after Independence. He also termed Patnaik’s contribution to Indonesia’s freedom movement, when he flew a Dakota aircraft to bring freedom fighters to India.

Calling the labeling of Biju Patnaik as a “CIA agent” highly shameful and condemnable, Acharya urged the Speaker to admit and pass the censure motion moved by the BJD on the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda