BJP leader Arindam Ray ‘targets BJD’s Pranab Prakash Das during Jajpur mahotsav’

The Karada-Harihata Mahotsav stage in Jajpur once again became the centre of political discussion following sharp remarks made during the festival’s closing ceremony. Arindam Ray, BJP leader and brother-in-law of BJD’s Pranab Prakash Das aka Bobby Das, launched an indirect but pointed attack on the senior BJD leader Bobby Das, sources said on Tuesday.

Also Read: Former Jajpur MLA Bobby Das hints at political comeback in Korei

Addressing the gathering last night, Arindam Ray had stated he shares a deep connection with Jajpur and had not visited the region since 2024. He remarked that Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak gave him the opportunity to return to his home turf.

Arindam Ray noted that Akash Das Nayak, once known for his calm nature, has now become more assertive. Without naming Pranab Prakash Das directly, Ray used a popular film dialogue to criticise him, a remark widely interpreted as “a dig at Bobby Das”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak also targeted Pranab Prakash Das from the stage. He stated that the people of Korei are not naïve and warned against “disguised Ravans” moving door-to-door in saintly attire. He asserted that the future of Korei would be decided by its own people.

“Akash Bhai told me that he was previously soft, and now he is trying to be very tough. When I asked him ‘how’, he replied that he is now taking action against those who are involved in corrupt practices, which was not possible earlier,” Arindam said on the stage.

“Akash Bhai Badhte Chalo, Hum Tumhare Saath Hain,” Arindam Ray expressed.

“Korei people are intelligent enough, and they should not be taken for granted. I had warned you (probably to Bobby Das) many times not to tussle with them. Now, you learnt a lesson,” the BJP leader added.

Notably, last year too, former Finance Minister and senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadai had used the same stage to criticise Bobby Das in a similar manner.