Bhubaneswar, 05 March (H.S.): On the occasion of Biju Jayanti on Thursday, Shreemayee Mishra launched a sharp attack on Naveen Patnaik, raising questions about the efforts made to secure the Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik.

Addressing the Leader of the Opposition, Mishra questioned how many times Patnaik—who remained in power in Odisha for nearly three decades—had approached authorities in New Delhi to seek the country’s highest civilian honour for his father.

Shreemayee Mishra is a former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and general secretary from Odisha who was suspended in September 2025 following public criticism of party leadership and accusations of betrayal. Known for her bold

She said that if sincere efforts had been made, Biju Patnaik might have already been conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

Mishra further questioned whether merely offering floral tributes at statues fulfilled the responsibility of an influential son who had enjoyed political power in his father’s name.

Referring to the demolition of Biju Patnaik’s samadhi at Swargadwar in Puri, she alleged that the late leader’s memory had been permanently erased. She also claimed that Naveen Patnaik had not constructed the memorial, asserting that it had been built by people who admired the late leader.

Mishra further alleged that attempts were later made through government officials to create a narrative of sacrifice in order to claim credit for the memorial.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda