Odisha: Sura-Patsani Cross Swords Over Naming AIIMS-Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Centre’s move to give specific names to all the AIIMS seemed to have triggered a row in Odisha with leaders of the ruling BJD and opposition Congress voicing diverse views and pleading for the names of two former Chief Ministers for the premier institute in Bhubaneswar.

While senior BJD leader Prasanna Patsani strongly argued that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar be named after legendary Biju Patnaik, firebrand Congress leader Suresh Routray pleaded in favour of Harekrushna Mahtab.

A debate appeared to have kicked off as the government has firmed up a proposal to give specific names to all the AIIMS based on regional heroes, freedom fighters, historical events or monuments of the area or their distinct geographical identity.

Most of the 23 AIIMS have submitted a list of names, after the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry sought suggestions from them in the matter, sources said.

Participating in a TV discussion, Patsani said Odisha has produced two gifted sons – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik. “Biju babu’s contribution towards the development of Odisha was immense. He dedicated his life to the progress of the state and welfare of its people,” the former MP said.

Apart from playing a significant role in different sectors in Odisha in particular and the country as a whole as a statesman, Patnaik also earned name and fame in the international arena, the BJD leader said, hailing Biju as a popular leader.

For his bravery and sacrifice, he was twice decorated by Indonesia with its highest civilian honour ‘Bhumiputra’, Patsani said.

Strongly countering Patsani’s contention, Routray asked the BJD leader to explain what Biju’s contribution to Odisha. “He (Patnaik) might have done something for Indonesia, but what has he done in Odisha?” he asked.

Routray, on the other hand, scouted for Harekrushna Mahtab describing him as a valiant freedom fighter who played a key role in uniting the locals in the battle against the British rulers. Mahtab fought just like Jayee Rajguru, who had intensely revolted against the British rulers, he said.

After independence, Mahatab played a major role in the unification of Gadajat states and the erstwhile princely states in the region in close coordination with Sardar Ballavbhai Patel, Routray said, adding that the former Chief Minister is popularly known as ‘Utkal Keshari’ for his bravery.

Steering Odisha on the path of progress, Mahtab was instrumental in the construction of Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi, which gave a boost to the agriculture sector in the state besides strengthening flood control measures, he said.

Similarly, the former Chief Minister also played a significant role in the setting up of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), which gave momentum to industrial activities in the state, Rourtay said, asking Patsani to acknowledge the ‘greatness’ of Mahatab.