BJD Flag On Odia Martyr’s Coffin Kicks A Storm

Bhubaneswar: BJP on Friday condemned the ruling BJD for draping its party flag on the coffin of Odia martyr Ajit Sahu.

Terming the incident as deplorable, former convener of the Odisha unit of BJP Sainik Cell, BK Bastia demanded an unconditional apology from BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“Draping the party flag on the coffin of a martyr is an insult to the country. This is not the first incident that the BJD has indulged in such an act. Earlier, a BJD MLA had shoved the kin of the Pulwama terror attack martyr Manoj Behera during his cremation at his native village Ratanpur in Cuttack district on February 16 this year. The BJD supremo must take this incident seriously and take stern action against his party workers,” Bastia said.

Talking to the media, Parameswar Sahu, brother of the Odia martyr, said some BJD workers had draped the party flag on the coffin of his brother at Khuntuni. Though he later removed the party flag, the people present there took a photo on their mobile phone and made it viral on social media.

“My brother has laid down his life for the country, not for any party. This photo should not be circulated on social media and the administration should take necessary action in this regard,” Parameswar said, requesting everyone not to politicize the incident.

On its part, BJD said the incident was grossly unfortunate. BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said his party has profound respect for the Odia martyr. “We strongly condemn the incident and appropriate action will be taken against those involved in it,” he added.