Did BJP MLA Cross a Line with Remarks on Mahatma Gandhi?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Assembly was engulfed in controversy after a BJP MLA's remarks on Mahatma Gandhi sparked uproar among opposition members. With protests unfolding, the call for accountability and respect for historical figures resonated strongly. Discover the unfolding drama and the implications of such statements in the political arena.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Assembly faced significant unrest due to remarks about Mahatma Gandhi.
- Opposition parties demanded accountability from the Speaker.
- The BJP MLA’s comments were condemned as a distortion of history.
- The Speaker ruled to expunge the remarks and the MLA apologized.
- The incident reflects ongoing tensions in political discussions.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly erupted in significant turmoil today over alleged offensive remarks directed at the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, made by a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA during discussions about the supplementary budget.
Members of the Opposition, including those from the Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), staged a walkout and conducted a silent protest near the Gandhi statue within the Assembly grounds.
During the debate concerning the Home Department's grant demands, a BJP member allegedly made harsh comments regarding Gandhiji, attempting to twist the narrative of India's struggle for independence, stated Prasanna Acharya, a senior BJD leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition.
He further asserted that the BJP MLA's claim linking Gandhiji to the Partition of India was entirely inaccurate.
Acharya emphasized that Gandhiji opposed the Partition and was actively in Noakhali, West Bengal, during the country's division into India and Pakistan. He questioned how one could attribute responsibility for the Partition to Gandhiji, stating that blaming him is a distortion of historical facts about India's independence struggle and should not be tolerated in the Assembly.
“We demand decisive action from the Speaker. The member who criticized Gandhiji must face consequences. Gandhiji’s legacy cannot be equated with any political figure,” he added.
Meanwhile, following directives from Speaker Surama Padhy, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, along with Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik and other leaders, approached the protesting Opposition members near the Gandhi statue, encouraging their return to the House with assurances of corrective measures.
Later, Minister Mahaling informed the media that the Speaker had ruled to remove the controversial remarks from the Assembly's proceedings.
“In response to the Opposition’s accusations, the member’s words about Gandhi have been expunged from the records. The MLA has also issued an unconditional apology in the House. The issue has been acknowledged by the Hon’ble Speaker, and members are now returning to the Assembly. The matter is resolved,” Mahaling stated.
Point of View
The uproar in the Odisha Assembly highlights the sensitive nature of political discussions surrounding historical figures. It underscores the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue in legislative settings, particularly regarding leaders who have shaped the nation’s identity. The incident reflects broader tensions in contemporary politics, emphasizing the need for responsible discourse.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the uproar in the Odisha Assembly?
The uproar was triggered by remarks made by a BJP MLA regarding Mahatma Gandhi during a discussion on the supplementary budget, which were deemed offensive by opposition members.
What actions were taken by the opposition?
Opposition members from Congress and BJD walked out and protested silently under the Gandhi statue in response to the remarks.
What was the BJP MLA's statement about Gandhi?
The BJP MLA's statement implied that Gandhi was responsible for the Partition of India, which was strongly contested by opposition leaders.
How did the Speaker respond to the controversy?
Speaker Surama Padhy instructed that the controversial remarks be expunged from the records, and the BJP MLA subsequently issued an unconditional apology.
What does this incident imply about political discourse?
This incident highlights the necessity for respectful political discourse, especially regarding historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, and the potential consequences of controversial statements.
