Politics heated up after the Odisha government’s recent approval to set up Paika Academy in Khordha, at a time, when the Central Government is leaving no stone unturned to establish ‘Paika Memorial’ near Barunei hills in the district.
Several people have opined that such a move ahead of General Elections 2024 is a strategy to woo voters belonging to the Paika communities hailing from Khordha, Puri and Nayagarh districts.
On December 8, 2019, to commemorate the Paika Rebellion, opined by historians as the first rebellion against British rule, the foundation stone was laid for ‘Paika Rebellion Memorial’ by former President Ram Nath Kovind. However, even after four years, the Central government’s project is yet to see completion due to problems in land acquisition and other issues.
The Centre has requested the State government to provide 50 acres of land. But, the State government has reportedly provided only 9.610 acres. The project is put on hold due to electric poles and trees. The BJP has alleged non-cooperation of the Odisha government to the Centre.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has approved the proposal to set up the Paika Academy and Research Centre with the aim of spreading Paika culture and tradition where arrangements will be made to impart education through special courses and training along with research facilities. Even scholarships will be provided to students.
Furthermore, the government has also planned to temporarily operate the centre at Gada Khordha in the initial phase.
Such a hurried decision by the State government has invited criticism from the Opposition BJP and Congress.
Reacting to the decision, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi said, “Late CM Biju Patnaik had set up a museum and Paika academy. However, it was shut for reasons which are difficult to understand. Now, once again announcement has been made to set up another Paika Academy. Is the State government competing against the Centre? All efforts are to prove that they are ahead of Centre. In my opinion, this move proves negative politics.”
On the other hand, Congress MLA Suresh Routray said, “There will be provisions of training while weapons will be provided, and a museum will be established. All these steps are welcoming. But, they need to act on it instead of promising. As the General Election is approaching, this move is to woo Paika voters.”
However, Odisha Minister Pratap Deb refuted the allegations and said, “I don’t agree with such statements. What the state government is doing, what the Central government is doing, are they competing, all these statements are baseless. It was demanded to declare Paika rebellion as the first war of independence, but it didn’t happen. This matter should not be raked up as an issue. This decision has been taken with goodwill.”
There are several other projects dedicated to Paikas and their rebellion against the British, however, all projects remain incomplete to date.
“If the announcement is done half-heartedly and not worked out, we will take to the streets and stage protest. If they will try to deceive us and make this a political gimmick to acquire votes, we will give a befitting reply,” said Dilip Srichandan, Convener, Bira Odia Paika Sangathan.