Political controversy escalates in Odisha over Jayanarayan Mishra’s ‘merger mistake’ remark

A political storm has erupted in Odisha following Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra’s controversial statement, “Merging with Odisha was our mistake.” 

The BJP leader made the statement while addressing a gathering during disbursal of the second instalment of the Subhadra Yojana money for women on Saturday in Sambalpur.

Such statements have not gone well, particularly with the Opposition parties- BJD and Congress as they have now started targeting the BJP. Both BJD and Congress leaders have stepped up attacks on the BJP and the Odisha government.

Also Read: 'Our merger with Odisha a big mistake!' BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra courts controversy

Congress Questions BJP’s Ideological Stand

Condemning Jayanarayan Mishra’s statement, the Congress questioned BJP’s stance on Odisha’s sovereignty. 

Congress legislature party leader, Rama Chandra Kadam criticized the BJP stating, "The party that came to power in Odisha by speaking of regional identity is now questioning the very existence of the state. Does the BJP not want Odisha’s sovereignty to remain intact?"

“The BJP came to power with raking up the Odia Asmita and it seems that the double-engine government wants to divide the state. But it will never happen,” said the Congress leader.

BJD Calls the Statement ‘Unfortunate’

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has also joined the criticism, expressing deep disappointment over Mishra’s statements. BJD leader Pratap Deb termed the statement “unfortunate”, emphasizing that such remarks undermine Odisha’s historical and cultural identity.

“On one side BJP talks about Odia Asmita and at the other, the party is changing the dates of important events. I fail to understand what the BJP is upto,” questioned the BJD leader. 

BJP’s Silence Raises Further Questions

Despite the escalating controversy, neither Jayanarayan Mishra nor the BJP leadership has issued a clarification or responded to the opposition's allegations. Their silence has fueled further speculation and criticism from political opponents.

Origin of the Controversy

The controversy began during the disbursal of Subhadra assistance money in Sambalpur, where Jayanarayan Mishra remarked that merging with Odisha was a mistake. This statement has ignited widespread debate on regional identity, political motives, and historical narratives.