Shreemayee Mishra targets Naveen Patnaik, raises questions over efforts to secure Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik

On the occasion of Biju Jayanti on Thursday, Shreemayee Mishra launched a sharp attack on BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. 

She raised a series of questions over his role in honouring late Biju Patnaik.

Addressing the Leader of the Opposition, she questioned how many times a person who remained in power for nearly three decades had approached the corridors of Delhi to seek the Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik?

She further voiced, had sincere efforts been made, Biju Patnaik might have received the country’s highest civilian honour by now.

Shreemayee also questioned whether merely offering floral tributes at a statue fulfilled the responsibility of an influential son who had enjoyed power in his father’s name.

Referring to the demolition of Biju Patnaik’s samadhi at Swargadwar in Puri, she alleged that his memory had been permanently erased. She stated that Naveen Patnaik had not constructed the samadhi, claiming it had been built by those who loved the late leader. She further alleged that efforts were made through government officials to construct a narrative of sacrifice to claim credit.

She said the samadhi could have been reconstructed at any location in Puri city and questioned whether the episode reflected a conspiratorial mindset towards him.

Links Remarks To Rajya Sabha Election

Shreemayee further stated that during Biju Patnaik’s final days, Dilip Ray had stayed with him at his residence and cared for him like a father. She remarked that children remain grateful to those who serve their parents.

In the context of the Rajya Sabha election, she questioned whether support should not be extended to a person dear to Biju Patnaik as a mark of gratitude. 

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She added that time would tell whether MLAs who regard Biju Patnaik as their ideal would take decisions according to their conscience.