Questions galore as Surjya Narayan Patro’s body not taken to Sankha Bhawan

Former Odisha Speaker and Digapahandi MLA, Surjya Narayan Patro, who passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, was a senior BJD leader and a 7-time MLA. He also held several key portfolios as a minister under the current BJD regime led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Despite his immense contribution towards the party, Patro’s body could not be taken to the newly constructed ‘Sankha Bhawan’, the BJD’s headquarters in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Earlier, it was decided that Patro’s body would be taken to Odisha Assembly premises and Sankha Bhawan so that everybody could pay their last tributes before the conduct of the last rites in Digapahandi on Sunday.

However, the ambulance stopped at a quarters, some distance away from the Sankha Bhawan, where the BJD leaders and others offered floral tributes.

Also Read: Mortal remains of Surjya Narayan Patro consigned to flames

Under such circumstances, question remains why such treatment was meted out to Patro who was a key member in both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik cabinet. Why Patro’s body was not taken to the BJD’s headquarters- the Sankha Bhawan? Was there some instruction from someone in this regard?

It is being speculated that the Sankha Bhawan has been built as per Vastu and there is restriction on taking non-vegetarian food and dead body. It is for this reason that Patro’s body was not taken there and arrangements were made at a nearby quarters to facilitate BJD leaders and others to pay tributes.

However, no official statement has been released by the BJD in this connection.

Speaking on the issue, senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “Everyone has respect for Surjya Narayan Patro. Usually, the bodies of leaders are taken to respective party headquarters. CM Naveen Patnaik also visited Patro’s residence to pay his last respects. However, why his body was not taken to Sankha Bhawan has surprised many.”

According to Mohanty, Patro deserves all kinds of respect for his contribution to the state and his party as well.

“BJD leaders need to introspect if there was any lapse as it will not be an appropriate respect for any leader in the future. BJD needs to inform if there are any new rules that have been introduced for the Sankha Bhawan,” Mohanty added.