BJD Takes Exception To Chhattisgarh Guv’s Statements On Odisha Affairs

Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJD in Odisha has expressed concern over statements of Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan on various issues of Odisha and stated that he should maintain the impartial and constitutional role of a Governor.

Speaking at a presser in Bhubaneswar on Friday, MP Sasmit Patra said, “We feel proud whenever a leader from Odisha is appointed as the Governor of any state. Be it JB Patnaik as Governor of Assam, Droupadi Murmu of Jharkhand or Harichandan, we have expressed our happiness for them.”

Stating that the Constitution has prescribed a definite role for the Governors as an impartial head of a state, Patra said, “Constitutionally, governors have been expected to be neutral and impartial. They are expected to be non-political, and therefore have to resign from a political position or party before assuming the office. They are also expected to maintain the dignity of the office of Governor by not making any such statements or remarks which might lead to the lowering of the dignity and respect of their position.”

“Of late Harichandan has been found issuing statements on the political affairs of Odisha which is unexpected of him. We can understand that he wants a political role for his son who has never won an election in his life. But he should refrain from issuing the statements till he hold the post of Governor of any state,” said Patra.

It my be noted that Harichandan on Thursday expressed his concern over the recent Cabinet decision on the tribal land sale and transfer, which was later put on hold. Stating that tribals in Odisha are a deprived and neglected lot, he said they should not be deprived of their rights.

Similalry, he had drawn the attention of the Jagannath temple management committee and the state government  over the long waiting hours for devotees to have darshan and the alleged negligence of the temple administration in addressing the issue.