Srikant Jena raises questions on schemes named after Biju Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Soon after the Supreme Court asked the former UP Chief Minister and BSP head Mayawati to deposit public money used for erecting statues of herself and elephants to the exchequer, senior leader Srikant Jena on Friday raised questions on the State government rolling out several schemes named after Biju Patnaik.

Jena stated that if different programmes are held in the State remembering the legendary leader and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, then there is absolutely no objection from anyone.

But as the Biju Janata Dal has been formed after Biju Babu, the name of schemes launched by the State government should be changed, opined Jena adding that the BJD should give a clarification on this following the SC verdict.

In reaction, the BJD said that people will be inspired if new projects are named after freedom fighters or people who have worked towards betterment of the society.

“Those who contributed towards the development of the society, naming the projects after them will be good for the State. Besides, common man will be inspired and understand the projects better,” said BJD leader Arun Sahoo.