Raurkela: Amid escalating tension within BJP in Odisha’s Raurkela, senior leader and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram alleged that some elements have launched a campaign to defame him and undermine his position in the party.
Oram claimed that some people had been spending money in an attempt to tarnish damage his image with politically sideline him for securing a ministerial position at the Centre.
Throwing an open challenge, the veteran tribal leader asserted that he would strongly respond to anyone attempting to damage his reputation. “I have built this party with my blood and sweat. I know this party well and the party also recognises my contributions,” Oram said.
Stating that some leaders had entered BJP from other political parties, he alleged that these people are now attempting to destabilise him and work towards his removal from the Union Cabinet by spending money.
The firebrand BJP leader also made it clear that he intends to contest elections despite having earlier announced that he would stay away from polls. “I had announced earlier that I will not contest elections anymore. But now I challenge that I will contest elections,” he said.
Oram said he would identify those who had worked against him and take appropriate action within the political sphere.
The ongoing tension emerged in the wake of a major controversy involving Rourkela BJP functionary and Prakash Paswan, whose arrest was linked to a firearm seizure at the Raurkela Circuit House. Paswan, considered a close aide of Oram, has been suspended from BJP on the ground of alleged indiscipline, misconduct and violation of party norms.
The developments have further intensified political tensions within the BJP unit in Raurkela.
Reacting strongly to the situation, Oram alleged that a malicious political conspiracy and smear campaign was being carried out to tarnish his image and potentially remove him from the Union Cabinet.
The Union Minister indicated that the issue could be taken up with the party’s central leadership if the matter was not resolved.
The tribal leader also asserted that the BJP’s central leadership would examine the issue and ensure justice. He emphasised his position as a tribal leader and warned that attempts to target or malign him would not go unanswered.
Meanwhile, the controversy has drawn a sharp response from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with party chief whip in Assembly Pramila Mallick stating that BJP’s internal differences had now become public. She claimed that factionalism within BJP had been continuing for a long time.
