Odisha Sports Minister Explains Presence Of Govt Vehicle On Kalinga Stadium Athletic Track After BJD Leader’s Attack

Bhubaneswar: A government being vehicle parked on the running track at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar has triggered a controversy with BJD leader and former Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera terming the incident ‘outrageously disappointing and shameful.

Responding to Behera’s criticism, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj explained that two vehicles had to enter the sports track was because of an emergency.

“Athletic track in Kalinga Stadium: During @Naveen_Odisha’s Era, it was a running track of international athletes. Now, it is running track of vehicles belonging to the ruling party (BJP) leaders. It is outrageously disappointing for all sportspersons and shameful for Odisha,” BJD leader Behera said in a post on his ‘X’ handle.

Reacting to Behera’s remarks, the Sports Minister said that the BJD leader has been particularly more vocal and active following his departure from the ministry. Clarifying the situation, Suraj said two vehicles had to be on the sports track due to an emergency. However, details were not shared.

The Minister further stated that high-profile visitors, including political leaders and VIPs, normally leave their vehicles outside and enter the area on foot. The recent incident was because of a rare necessity, prompted by urgent circumstances, he said.

Noting that it was not a normal situation and the former Sports Minister also might have realised this, Suraj said it was raining heavily when it happened. “Unless there is an emergency or a medical necessity, we will not enter any vehicle into the stadium premises,” the Minister told reporters.

Stating that several senior leaders earlier visited Kalinga Stadium by keeping their vehicles outside, Suraj said he also visited around 100 times keeping vehicles outside. “Had there been no emergent situation, I would not have entered the vehicle,” he said.

“I would thank the former sports minister (Tusharkanti Behera) that he has become more active after being discharged from his responsibilities. There are certain things which require confidentiality; hence, those should not be made public,” the Minister added.