Advertisment

'Our merger with Odisha a big mistake!' BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra courts controversy

Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra stirred controversy in Sambalpur, calling the merger of Koshala with Odisha a mistake. He alleged neglect of Koshala and Kalinga while Utkal dominates recognition.

author-image
Rashmi Ranjan
Updated On
'Our merger with Odisha a big mistake!' BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra courts controversy

'Our merger with Odisha a big mistake!' BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra courts controversy

Senior BJP leader and MLA Jayanarayan Mishra stirred a controversy with his recent remarks regarding the formation of Odisha. 

Advertisment

Speaking at the event organised for the disbursement of second instalment of BJP government’s flagship programme Subhadra Yojana in Sambalpur, Mishra stated that the merger of Koshala during the formation of Odisha was a mistake.

According to Mishra, ‘Utkal’ primarily refers to Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore, while the state of Odisha was created by the merger of Utkal, Koshala, and Kalinga. 

Advertisment

He alleged that regions like Koshala and Kalinga have been neglected and exploited, while only Utkal receives recognition.

The senior BJP leader also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of representation for Koshala and Kalinga in Odisha’s cultural and political discourse. 

Also Read: Liquor mafia apologises to Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi after assaulting family members

“The people of Sambalpur must know that Utkal refers to Cuttack, Puri and Balasore. Odisha formed after the merger of Utkala, Koshala and Kalinga. We are being exploited. We participated in the movement for our merger with Odisha. But this was our biggest mistake,” Mishra said.

While his statement has triggered a political debate, the state government has yet to issue any official response to his remarks.

Odisha
Advertisment
Advertisment