Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Dilip Ray met Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday, ahead of a scheduled court hearing against him in a false affidavit case.
As per sources, Ray called on the Minister at his official residence in Bhubaneswar in the morning. The meeting, which took place a day after Governor Haribabu Kambhampati met the Law Minister at the same place, triggered a range of speculations in political circles.
While Ray maintained that the focus of discussion during the meeting was on infrastructure development in Rourkela and nearby areas, the timing of his visit drew considerable attention in view of the case which is set to come up for hearing in the Orissa High Court on Wednesday.
Moreover, the high-profile meetings at the Law Minister’s residence have sparked a wide range of speculations regarding Ray’s future political plans as well as BJP’s wider strategy in the state, where the party came to power last year.
After the meeting, Ray made it clear that discussions during the meeting had no political connotation. “Discussion was held regarding civic projects, including the construction of a glass bridge, a suspension bridge, and the long-delayed ring road. The Minister has assured that work on the bridge will begin before Durga Puja this year,” he said.
Ray further clarified that he had raised these issues previously during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two months ago and reiterated that the Rourkela region required urgent infrastructure attention.
The meeting was described by observers as significant as Ray is expected to appear before the High Court on Wednesday in connection with a case related to alleged submission of a false affidavit. In view of the court hearing, his interaction with the Law Minister is being closely observed for potential political signals.
The former Minister side-stepped questions about his return to active politics and possible Rajya Sabha nomination.
As BJP is taking all steps to further consolidate its presence in Odisha after coming to power last year and a ministry expansion is likely to be carried out, veteran leader Dillip Ray’s re-engagement in party affairs is being speculated in political circles.