BJP Seeks Clarification On Controversial Statement Of Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha BJP has sought a clarification from the state government over Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain’s remarks at the state-level Panchayati Raj Divas function in Cuttack on Wednesday.

Briefing mediapersons here, state BJP spokesperson Golak Nayak said the state government has to clarify whether Panchayati Raj Divas was a party affair of the BJD or a government-sponsored programme.

“Is it appropriate for a minister to give statements against the Maharashtra Governor and the BJP, accusing them of fanning communal disharmony at a government-sponsored programme? Obviously, allegations and counter-allegations are a part of politics. But a seasoned leader should know the time and place to say. It seems the BJD leader has given such an atrocious statement only to cover up his failure,” Nayak pointed out.

He said the BJP would have welcomed Swain and replied to all his allegations had he given the statement at a political platform. But his statement at a government-sponsored function is grossly anti-constitutional. “We strongly condemn his statement and demand clarification on this matter from the state government,” he added.