Bhubaneswar: After sparking a row for his remark on the formation of Odisha, senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra on Tuesday stuck to his views on the integration of Koshal region with the state.
Asserting that he stands by his remarks on Koshal, the former Minister said there is no reason to retract. The response of the Sambalpur MLA comes amidst sharp criticism from many quarters including Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which staged a protest over the issue in the state Assembly.
Alleging that a selective approach has always been adopted towards regional identity and development, Mishra said former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik remained in power for over 24 years but never learnt how to speak Odia.
“However, when raise questions over regional disparities and speak about the development of my region, it is seen as an attack on Odia identity,” the BJP leader said.
Regarding the recital of ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ at the event where he made the controversial statement, the former Minister argued that though Odisha was formed by integrating Utkala, Koshal, and Kalinga regions, the song only praises Utkala. “If you recite ‘Bande Odisha Janani’, I have no objection. But why should only one region be glorified while others remain ignored?” Mishra sought to know.
Accusing BJD of having failed to ensure balanced development of all regions, he said BJD has no presence in western Odisha, and now they are raising questions. Let them first show what they have done for coastal Odisha before making claims about development in western Odisha, Mishra said.
As per the Supreme Court, there cannot be any state’s anthem or flag, the BJP leader said, adding he has no objection if ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ is changed to ‘Bande Odisha Janani’.
Notably, Mishra had made the controversial statement while speaking at an event in Sambalpur on. “The people of Sambalpur should remember that Odisha as a separate state was formed due to the integration of Utkal, Kosal and Kalinga regions. Utkal region comprises only Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore. It is not proper to hail only Utkal and forget Kosal and Kalinga regions,” he said soon after the recital of ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, the state song of Odisha.
The BJP leader had further alleged the people of Sambalpur and Koshal have been facing continuous exploitation due to the region’s integration with Odisha. “We have been exploited in every sphere including mining, agriculture, forest and service. We have been denied our cultural rights. The integration of Koshal with Odisha is a historic blunder,” Mishra had said.
