Even CM shared my displeasure over violence during ‘hartal’: MP Baijayant

Sambalpur: Clarifying his statements on violence during BJD’s ‘hartal’, MP Baijayant Panda today said the controversy cropped up because he sided with truth and even party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared similar displeasure over the hooliganism.

Baijayant had criticised the violence during BJD’s ‘hartal’ called in protest against fuel price rise on Twitter and said that such hooliganism during the protest is condemnable and action should be taken against the protestors.

"I am speaking on principles. Sometimes problems arise when you say the unpleasant truth. Our leader & Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself has expressed displeasure over the violence during our ‘hartal’ against fuel price rise. I said what he also felt. So, if what he said was right then I am also correct," said Panda while speaking to media during a felicitation ceremony at Sambalpur Press Club.

Speaking at the gathering, the MP said he has received a lot of affection from the people of Western Odisha and if given a chance, will return the favour by serving the people of the region.

"My maternal uncle's house is in undivided Sambalpur district. I always get affection from the people of western Odisha. I don't want to comment on any political matter today, but I would like to say one thing that if given a chance I will serve the people of Sambalpur and western Odisha," Panda said.

On the ongoing Mahanadi water sharing dispute, he emphasised on a permanent solution and said no comprise will be made under any circumstances on such an important matter.

https://youtu.be/EirI22i_opw