BJP Accuses BJD Workers of Vandalizing Biju Patnaik's Statue
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Synopsis
BJP protests, claiming BJD workers vandalized Biju Patnaik's statue in Cuttack. Photos link culprits to BJD leaders, raising allegations of a conspiracy. Chief Minister responds to claims of inaction after arrests.
Key Takeaways
- BJP protests against alleged BJD involvement in statue vandalism.
- Photos presented linking culprits to BJD leadership.
- Allegations of conspiracy against the state government.
- Immediate police action led to the arrest of suspects.
- BJD responds with accusations of government negligence.
Bhubaneswar, March 6 (NationPress) The BJP organized a demonstration on Thursday, asserting that the individuals apprehended for vandalizing the statue of Biju Patnaik in the Mahanga region of Cuttack district are affiliated with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
The BJP activists accused the BJD party of orchestrating a scheme to tarnish the reputation of the state government. The protestors displayed photographs where the alleged offenders were reportedly seen with a senior BJD figure and former MLA of Mahanga, Pratap Jena.
“These images confirm that the individuals involved are active members of the Biju Janata Dal. Under the influence of BJD president Naveen Patnaik and ex-Mahanga MLA Pratap Jena, they vandalized the statue of Biju Patnaik. The BJD has devised a plan to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party,” claimed a protestor.
The BJP members further claimed that it is deeply disgraceful for BJD chief Naveen Patnaik to disrespect his own father, Biju Babu, by orchestrating the damage to the statue of the iconic leader.
“The 4.5 crore citizens in Odisha, from every segment of society, hold Biju Patnaik in high regard. All prominent leaders of the BJP, including CM Mohan Charan Majhi, have paid their respects to Biju Babu. We never anticipated that Naveen Babu would stoop to such lows. He could not bear the honor bestowed by BJP leaders upon Biju Patnaik and employed his supporters to deface his father’s statue. We will unveil this act of Naveen Patnaik and present these facts to the people of Odisha,” asserted Swayam Sevak Ray, Youth BJP President.
Significantly, the Cuttack police apprehended three individuals within 24 hours of the incident, following a review of CCTV footage, on charges of damaging the statue of Biju Patnaik.
Odisha’s Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik, during his address at the BJD headquarters on Wednesday, criticized the BJP government for its inaction regarding the perpetrators involved in the vandalism of Biju Patnaik’s statue in the Mahanga area of Cuttack district.
“Recently, there have been disgraceful instances throughout the state where the statues of the late Biju Patnaik have been vandalized. Yet, no measures have been undertaken by the government to penalize the offenders,” the BJD Supremo remarked on Wednesday.
In response to the BJD chief’s claims about the government's negligence, CM Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the BJD is attempting to gain political advantage by unfairly accusing the state government of failing to arrest the accused.
“I want to clarify that those responsible for damaging Biju Patnaik's statue are currently in custody. Upon hearing about the incident, I instructed the police to swiftly apprehend the culprits, irrespective of who they are or where they might be. Our police have successfully arrested those responsible, and they are already in jail,” the Chief Minister stated.
