Naveen Patnaik trains guns on BJP on Biju Patnaik’s death anniversary; saffron party responds

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik launched a veiled attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of trying to change the course of history, during his speech on the occasion of the 28th death anniversary of former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik.

Addressing a gathering of party workers and media representatives, the BJD chief further proceeded to state that the current government should focus on the growth and development of Odisha instead of “demeaning the great sons of the soil”.

“Attempts are also being made to change history, but they should remember that history reflects the connecting experience of a nation over a period of time. It cannot be changed at anybody’s pleasure,” Patnaik remarked in a scathing jibe at the BJP, without naming it.

BJP Responds: Statements Politically Motivated

In response to the statements made by the ex-CM, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal dismissed them as politically charged and unwelcome from a person of Patnaik’s stature. He further insisted that the day should be spent on making tributes to Biju Patnaik.

“We hold immense respect for Biju Patnaik, and today is meant for people to offer their tributes to him. His (Naveen Patnaik’s) statements are political rhetoric, and I think it is unbecoming of a former CM to make such remarks,” he added.

Samal also questioned the authenticity of Naveen’s comments, suggesting that they may not reflect the leader’s own sentiments. “Either he is being misinformed by his advisors, or he is reading out what others have written for him. He should reconsider his statement,” he said.

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The political exchange comes at a time when the BJD is struggling with internal rifts and open displays of non-adherence to the party’s core leadership, as demonstrated during a gathering of one faction of senior BJD leaders at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar recently.