Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Sunday accused the BJP of resorting to derogatory remarks against chief minister Naveen Patnaik and senior leader VK Pandian and disrespecting the tradition and culture of Odisha.
Addressing media persons, MP and BJD’s spokesperson Sasmit Patra said the people of Odisha know the derogatory language used by the BJP leaders against the chief minister, disrespecting his age, experience and popularity.
“The people of Odisha have not taken it kindly. BJD always maintains extreme decency in public discourse. Nobody has used derogatory language against any BJP leaders. That is not Odisha culture,” he said.
Claiming that BJP’s candidate for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat Aparajita Sarangi was facing certain defeat in this election, Patra said she had become frustrated. She has been venting out various outbursts over the past few days using derogatory language and false allegations out of her anger, he added.
“The way you and your leaders call names of our party’s senior leader and star campaigner Pandian is not dignified political discourse. He has asked questions about your contribution as an MP. Why do you get angry instead of saying what you have done for Bhubaneswar? Have you got mega projects like your counterparts have done in Karnataka or Rajasthan or Maharashtra?,” the BJD leader asked.
Patra alleged that Aparajita and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan had conspired to stop several developmental works of the state over the years.
“Pandian stated the facts about Pradhan’s role in supporting Chhattisgarh on Mahanadi issue. People of Odisha would like to know why Central Government supported Chhattisgarh on the matter. Instead of answering that, both of you are using bad language against CM and Pandian,” he said.
“What have you and Pradhan done for the development of NH-55? For the outer ring road of Bhubaneswar? For the Coastal Highway? For the water logging in front of Iskcon Temple in Bhubaneswar? What have you done for Odia language or the Odissi music to be granted classical status?,” Patra asked.
He also alleged that Aparajita, Pradhan and other BJP MPs had gone to Delhi to stop sanction of 14 lakh PMAY houses for Odisha. Besides, BJP’s promises of doubling farmers’ income, implementation of Swaminathan Commission report, payment of Fasal Bima to farmers, increasing MSP and housing for all are yet to see the light of day, he added.
“Instead of answering the questions posed by Pandian, why are you abusing him? Please refrain from lying and making derogatory statements. People of Bhubaneswar are watching how you are behaving. Maintain decency in public discourse which is Odisha’s culture,” added Patra.
