BJD tags Baishnab as 'opportunist', 'habitual party changer'

Bhubaneswar: A day after BJD leader and former MP Baishnab Parida criticised party president and CM Naveen Patnaik for not being well versed in Odia language, the BJD today came down on the ex-parliamentarian dubbing him as an 'opportunist' and 'habitual party changer'.

"He is an opportunist. He has changed many parties for his own interest in past. He got the opportunity to enter Rajya Sabha only due to the grace of Naveen even though he has never won a single election," a statement issued by BJD general secretary Bijay Nayak said.

The release further questioned, "Why he had remained silent during his Rajya Sabha tenure? Why did he come out with such statements now? Is it at someone else’s behest that he has been doing this?"

Questioning his position to raise finger at the CM, he said Naveen clearly understands Odia and the language of every Odia’s heart. "That is the only reason people have elected him to a top position. Who is Baishnab to question the decision of four crore Odias?,” he asked.

At a news conference in Sambalpur on Tuesday, Parida had targeted the CM and wanted him to step down for not knowing his mother tongue.

"Those who cannot speak Odia, have no right to rule the state. Without knowing Odia language, how can the chief minister understand the problems of people? This is an insult to Odisha and the entire Odia community", Parida who heads the Bhasa Surakhya Sammilani, had said.