BJP claims government not under Odisha CM’s control; BJD MLA says Ministers have no say

Is the government not under the control of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik? Is he not aware of what is happening in the government? Are the ministers and MLAs able to meet the BJD supremo? After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised such questions, it was the turn of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and MLA, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik to expose the role of ministers.

While addressing a seminar on ‘Golden period of Janaki-Basant jodi’, the senior BJD leader claimed that the ministers are not aware of the decisions taken by the Cabinet. Posing several questions, Patnaik said ministers have no role in government decisions. He also questioned the silence of the ministers even as there is political degradation.

“Ministers are saying that they are not aware of the cabinet decisions. Ministers say that they will answer after asking the secretaries. Ministers are not making any announcements. When I asked some leaders, who have come from Congress, they told that it is a good system,” said Patnaik.

Meanwhile, no comments have been received from the BJD over the statements made by Patnaik. Not only this, Patnaik went on to target the BJP by claiming that it is no longer a party and there is no opposition in the state. He also questioned if BJD is extending support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the centre, then why the state-BJP unit is targeting the ruling-BJD here.

“I don’t feel there is Opposition in Odisha. If BJD can extend support to the BJP at the Centre on all national issues, how can the state unit oppose here,” said Patnaik.

Responding to the statements of BJD MLA, BJP MP Jual Oram said, “Soumya Ranjan Patnaik very well knows what type of party the BJP is and how it functions. We will show them (BJD) by defeating them here.”

It is pertinent to mention here that yesterday Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during campaigning for Jharsuguda bypoll, slammed the Odisha government by stating that ‘Sashikala Syndrome’ is working here.

“CM is not in control and his disciples are controlling everything. Many are saying that Sashikala Syndrome is working here,” said Pradhan.

Responding to Pradhan’s statements, BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said, “Such statements are only to mislead people and mandate. Sashikala-Jayalalitha comments don't hold strength as Naveen Patnaik is the people’s leader and everything is being done under his direction.”