A day after senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said that his party will not extend support to NDA’s Presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu, BJP has criticised the party.
State BJP president Samir Mohanty lashed out at Congress during a press meet and stated that while a tribal woman from Odisha is all set to make the State proud, the party (Congress) is not able to accept it.
"By the grace of Lord Jagannath, for the first time ever, a woman from a scheduled tribe from Odisha has got the opportunity, and we are proud of it. But, the Congress workers are sad over such a decision. The Congress is not able to accept it," said Mohanty.
During the press meet, Mohanty targeted Congress and said that it is for the tribal for which Congress came to power in Odisha. However, despite the love and support from tribal people, Congress is ignoring them.
Further, Mohanty added, "The senior Congress leader (Narasingha) presented his thought before the people of Odisha. The row over Draupadi Murmu being the Presidential candidate and the role of Congress in it will be judged by the people. In a democracy, the ultimate power is in the hands of the public and they will decide on Congress statement."
The BJP leader also added that if Congress really cares for the people of Odisha, it needs to get over its thought and extend support to the tribal woman (Murmu).
On the other hand, OPCC Chief Sarat Patnaik said making Murmu the Presidential candidate is the decision of the BJP and not the people of Odisha.
"How can Congress support BJP's candidate? There is no question of supporting the BJP candidate. The candidate selected by BJP will be supported by the parties in alliance with NDA. As ordered, we will support the Congress candidate," said Patnaik.
Further, Patnaik added, "The perspective of Odisha and Odia is completely personal. I feel proud to be an Odia and will always take a stand for Odias because it is my birthplace. If Naveen Patnaik really loves Odias, why did he send a non-Odia to Rajya Sabha and not an Odia? This is not about Odisha or Odia, it is about India."