Rashmi Rekha Das

A student leader from the Biju Janata Dal has invited controversy after singing a song praising Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Bali Yatra Ground on Wednesday.

According to sources, general secretary of BJD student wing Abinash Mohanty sang ‘He Naveen Babu Ame Tama Fan’ during Pathotsav which did not go down well with intellectuals. 

The song in praise of Naveen Patnaik sparked a controversy with intellectuals condemning Mohanty for using Bali Yatra ground for the promotion of a particular political party.

Meanwhile, the video of Mohanty singing Naveen song has gone viral in the social media.

The incident has become debatable with people questioning over who gave permission to use historical Bali Yatra ground for promotion of a political party.

Earlier, a row had ensued over singing of a bhajan praising Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a Habisiyali shelter house in the holy city.

Lashing out at the government, Bharatiya Janata Party later threatened to launch an agitation demanding an apology from the state government over the issue. 

The ruling BJD, on the other hand, accused BJP leaders of doing politics over a petty issue.

Of late, an artiste came under the public scrutiny after singing an obscene song during Humane Sagar Night at Bali Yatra ground in the very presence of district administrative officers and police officials. Then Abinash Mohanty has come under the scanner of political parties for using Bali Yatra ground for BJD’s promotion.

When contacted, Cuttack District Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani said, “When a singer sings, he has his liberty of choice. It may be his personal choice. I don’t want to comment on that issue as I don’t know him and I don’t have any information about it. We would be careful so that such thing won’t repeat in future.”

Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Mayor Subash Singh said, “Baisnab Pani Manch is popular for keeping our tradition alive for years through various performances. Artistes should not use this platform for vested interest. We would ensure to avoid such occurrence on Baisnab Pani Manch in coming days.”

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