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Bhubaneswar: State BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantasinghar’s alleged statement on Puri has snowballed into a controversy, drawing criticisms from several political parties.
Addressing party workers at an event, Lekhashree had reportedly stated that people used to think Puri was in Kolkata, but they came to know about the town being in Odisha only after Sambit Patra contested from the seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Soon after a video clip of her speech went viral on social media, leaders from various political parties targeted her over the statement.
BJD leader Arup Patnaik said, “As a resident of Puri I am deeply hurt by her irresponsible statement. It reflects ego, idiocy and madness,” said Patnaik.
He even termed Lekhashree as the sister of ‘Kalapahada’, a Muslim General of Bengal under the Karrani Dynasty, who attacked Puri Jagannath Temple with his army several times.
“I don’t think BJP will support her for this kind of irresponsible statement,” he added.
Meanwhile the State Youth Congress staged a protest opposing Lekhashree’s statement.
The party demanded stern action against the BJP leader and urged her to apologize before the people of Odisha.
“Lekhashree should apologize before the public for her irresponsible statement. Otherwise she will not be allowed entry into Puri,” said a youth Congress leader.
