Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD leader Baishnab Charan Parida on Saturday lashed out at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over inordinate delay in implementation of the Official Language Act of 1954 in the State.
Parida, who is also the president of Bhasha Suraksha Sammilani, said that time has come for the chief minister to relinquish his position as he has failed to implement the Odisha Official Language Act for the last six years.
While files are piling up on the CM's table, his lack of interest is posing hindrance for the implementation of the act. If the language act is implemented, he will have to give remarks in Odia on the files which he can't, the former MP alleged.
He further said that in the very interest of the people of Odisha, Naveen should adopt 'Kamraj' formula to govern the State.
"I urge the chief minister to adopt 'Kamraj' formula and make someone deserving from the party CM while Naveen should be BJD president. This will help him to win special place in the hearts of people of Odisha," Parida added.
Responding to Parida's comment, State minister Prafulla Samal said CM Naveen is committed to the development of Odia language.
Naveen has made Odia mandatory for signages. He has also taken steps to set up Odia bench in Universities, said Samal.
It is worth mentioning that the amendment in the Orissa Official Language Act, 1954 had in March this year got the Cabinet nod under which the officers who use Odia language for official works will be rewarded and the violators punished.