Cuttack: A political controversy erupted in Odisha on Friday over alleged omission of BJD Rajya Sabha member Debashish Samantaray’s name from the Parakram Diwas programme plaque at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birthplace in Cuttack.
Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan was the chief guest at the event, organised by the Ministry of Culture.
Speaking to a local channel, the BJD leader from Cuttack claimed he was not extended an invitation or given due recognition despite his local prominence. His name was conspicuously absent from the inauguration plaque unveiled during the event.
Samantaray described the lapse as a disrespect to the Rajya Sabha itself. He emphasised that since the Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House, the exclusion undermined parliamentary dignity and protocol. “Despite representing Cuttack district, my name was deliberately left out, while those from Congress and other BJD representatives were featured,” said the former two-time MLA from Barabati-Cuttack.
He alleged that the omission was not an oversight but a planned conspiracy, holding the district administration, the district collector, and the state Culture Department accountable for breaching established norms.
Samantaray demanded a formal inquiry to identify those responsible and ensure accountability. The BJD leader added that he is planning to write to the Chief Secretary over the issue.
Reacting to the incident, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, who was present at the event, said Samantaray should have been invited to the event and his name should have featured in the plaque since he is also a representative of the people of Cuttack.
Cuttack Mayor Subash Chandra Singh echoed the same.
The incident has also drawn attention amid ongoing internal tensions within the BJD. No immediate responses from the district administration or state government were available on the matter.
The Vice President’s visit highlighted Netaji’s legacy of courage and national unity, with inaugurations aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage at his birthplace.
