Odisha: Union Minister Jual Oram’s remarks spark political row

Bhubaneswar, Aug 28 (IANS) Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram stirred political circles in Odisha on Friday after accusing a party colleague of attempting to remove him from the Union Cabinet.

Reacting strongly, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) condemned his remarks as violent, stating that such language raised serious concerns about the state’s law-and-order situation. In a press statement, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said Oram’s words indicated a conspiracy against him, leaving him disturbed.

Mohanty added that the internal conflict within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had reached an extreme level. “The Minister is openly declaring that he will take the law into his own hands. How far is such a statement justified?” he asked.

The BJD leader noted that Oram’s statement had raised serious questions over law and order in the state.

The Opposition Congress also criticised Oram’s remarks, describing them as contrary to democratic principles. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das demanded his resignation from the Union Cabinet, saying his comments undermined the constitutional system.

Earlier in the day, Oram, in an emotional outburst, alleged that some people in Rourkela were spending money to defame him and attempting to have him dropped from the Union Cabinet.

“They think that if I am dropped, it will create an opportunity for them. Some people are trying to achieve this purpose,” he said.

Oram added that he had devoted his “blood and sweat” to the development of the BJP in Odisha and that the party had recognised his contributions by entrusting him with significant responsibilities.

“If anyone attempts to tarnish my reputation, I am fully capable of fighting back. I challenge them. I had earlier announced that I would not contest any more elections, but I will now contest again. I will ensure that those who have worked against me are held accountable. Some people who came from other political parties are now trying to destabilise me by using money. I condemn the attempt,” he said.

He informed the media that he had met the party’s state general secretary (organisation), Manas Mohanty, to discuss the matter. He said the party had assured him that the issue would be addressed.

“If needed, I will apprise the central leadership about the matter. I will not spare those attempting to malign my image as a tribal leader,” Oram said.

–IANS

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