Brahmapur: The statue of legendary leader and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik installed in front of the Government ITI in Odisha’s Brahmapur was vandalised by unidentified miscreants, triggering condemnation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Pujya Puja Samiti, who demanded immediate restoration of the statue and action against those responsible.
The spectacles fitted to the unique metal sculpture, made from waste materials, were damaged after miscreants allegedly hurled stones at it during the night on August 18.
The statue was installed in the Steel Park, located to the left of the main gate of the ITI along the main road, during 2019-20. ITI Principal Ranjan Kumar Parida said the statue had been maintained with utmost care. “Some miscreants intentionally hurled stones at the statue during the night on August 18 and damaged its spectacles,” Parida said.
He added that a new pair of spectacles had already been ordered and would be fitted on the statue within a few days.
Former Ganjam district BJD president Dr Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik termed the incident indecent and strongly condemned the act. He urged the authorities to ensure proper protection of the statue of the revered leader and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Pujya Puja Samiti also condemned the incident, describing it as an insult to a great leader and an affront to Odia pride. It urged the authorities to ensure due respect for Odia asmita and safeguard the statue.
A delegation of the Samiti comprising Professor Manoranjan Sahu, social worker Gunanidhi Behera and advocate Abani Gaya met ITI Principal Ranjan Kumar Parida on Wednesday morning. The delegation demanded immediate repair of the damaged statue and restoration of the sculpture to its original condition.
It also urged the authorities to identify the persons involved in the vandalism and initiate stringent action against them.
