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Controversy erupted in the Odisha Legislative Assembly as the Minister of Mines Bibhuti Jena used poetry to critique the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD-led) government.
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The verses, aimed at the tenure of former chief minister and now Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik and his close advisor VK Pandian, painted a scathing picture of the alleged mismanagement and corruption involving Odisha's mineral resources.
Minister Jena refrained from using direct names but delivered his criticisms through a poetic narrative suggesting widespread deceit. His use of the phrase “Ek Aadmi Ne Sabko Ullu Bana Diya” accused a single individual of tricking the entire establishment.
The Minister alleged that under the BJD’s rule, there was rampant misrepresentation and exploitation of the State’s natural resources, particularly in the mining sector.
According to Minister Jena, the minerals were extracted under questionable circumstances, with complicit silence from BJD leaders.
The pointed criticism extended to BJD’s hierarchical structure, with Jena highlighting how a few advisors (coterie of Naveen Patnaik) held sway over broader party decisions, despite perceptions of change and development.
“Razing, Transporting, Contracting, Sab Usne Kiya; Chakra, Karan, Uddin, Sabko Lootna Sikha Diya. Sabka Mun Bandh Karke Akela Sankh Baja Diya, Ek Aadmi Ne …,” the Minister further said on the Floor of the House.
No comments in this regard were received from BJD or its supremo Naveen Patnaik.
While Patnaik and Pandian have largely stayed silent, a BJD MLA has defended the party, asserting a long-standing commitment to preventing resource misappropriation.
BJD MLA defends the party
“It is their (BJP’s) habitual accusation that everything ‘wrong’ happened during the previous government. However, the fact is something different. A major decision was also taken during the rule of Naveen Patnaik. Those companies who will be accorded mines (on lease) will be asked to set up industries in Odisha. Not to allow the mines to be looted was the aim of Naveen Patnaik,” BJD MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena expressed.
In contrast, Minister Jena reassured the public of the current government’s transparency, drawing parallels with the historical adviser Chanakya, known for his strategic acumen.
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Minister Jena also revealed plans to empower local panchayats with oversight of sand mining, promising enhanced governance and effective resource management.
