Bhubaneswar: Defending governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram over his controversial remark that he would work to strengthen the BJP after assuming office, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday said it appeared to have been a slip of the tongue by a senior leader who had been associated with the party for decades.
Harichandan made the statement while responding to questions from reporters about Ram’s remarks following his appointment as the new governor of Odisha. The Minister said Ram might not have intended to make the statement and urged the opposition to wait until he assumed office before questioning his impartiality.
“It could be a slip of the tongue. He might not have given any thought before uttering those words. As he worked for decades for the party, the words might have slipped from his tongue. He did not mean it,” Harichandan said.
He also criticised the opposition for raising the issue before Ram had formally taken charge as governor.
The Minister said the Opposition would have sufficient opportunity to assess Ram’s conduct after he assumed office and determine whether he discharged his constitutional responsibilities impartially.
Ram’s remark came to light shortly after the announcement of his appointment as Odisha governor. Speaking to a news agency in Ranchi, he had said that he would “work to strengthen the BJP” after assuming office.
The statement triggered a political controversy in Odisha, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress questioning his suitability for the constitutional post.
The BJD expressed shock over Ram’s remarks, arguing that a governor should remain above party politics. In a statement, the party said, “We are shocked to hear his comments, where he reiterated that he would work towards strengthening the BJP. We condemn the remark as it negates the fact that the governor is above party politics.”
The Congress also condemned the statement and demanded Ram’s recall as governor.
The controversy has brought the constitutional neutrality of the governor’s office into focus, with Opposition parties insisting that the holder of the post must function independently of political affiliations.
Meanwhile, Ram said on Thursday that he would assume office as Odisha governor on October 18, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Navratri. He is scheduled to leave for Odisha on October 17 and take the oath of office the following day, a close associate of the three-time BJP MP said.
Ram has also emphasised development as his priority, saying he would work in coordination with all stakeholders.
“The state’s development would be my primary agenda. Education, unemployment, farmers’ issues and basic concerns such as electricity and water, along with other matters falling under the constitutional framework, will all be top priorities,” he said.
Ram, a native of Jharkhand’s Palamu district, was appointed as the new governor of Odisha by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday.
Ram represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency in undivided Bihar three times, in 1996, 1998 and 1999. He also served as a member of the Bihar Assembly from 1991 to 1995.