Bhubaneswar, 26 December (H.S.): Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday mounted a strong rebuttal to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik, dismissing allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to engineer a split within the regional party.
Pujari’s remarks came shortly after Patnaik, while addressing the BJD’s foundation day programme, alleged that “some parties” were spreading misinformation about an imminent break-up of the BJD. Patnaik had asserted that the party would continue as the political voice of Odisha for the next 100 years and rejected speculation of internal divisions.
Responding to the statement, Pujari said Patnaik should first revisit his own political history before accusing others of destabilising political organisations. He alleged that Patnaik had, in the past, weakened both rival parties and leaders within his own ranks.
“We are fully occupied with governance and public service. We neither have the time nor the intent to think about splitting the BJD,” Pujari said, rejecting the allegation outright.
Questioning Patnaik’s claim that the BJD lives in the hearts of the people, the minister said public confidence cannot be established through self-proclamation. “Political credibility is not proven by declarations. It is your work that determines how long you remain in power and whether you truly reside in the hearts of the people,” he added.
Pujari also raised sharp questions on issues of law and order, referring to victims of serious crimes in the state. “Does Naveen Babu believe that victims like Itishree or Babina would hold such sentiments? Many mothers have endured suffering comparable to that of Draupadi. Can the BJD or its leadership genuinely claim a place in their hearts?” he asked.
The exchange underscores the intensifying political sparring between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD in Odisha, as both sides sharpen their narratives ahead of future political contests.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda