Naveen accuses Odisha’s BJP govt of distorting history, saffron party hits back

By Prabhat Kumar Singh

Bhubaneswar, April 17: On the 28th death anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik took a veiled swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to rewrite history for political gain.

Speaking at a commemorative event attended by party workers and members of the media, the former Chief Minister urged the current government to focus on the development and progress of Odisha rather than “demeaning the great sons of the soil.”

“Efforts are being made to alter the course of history, but those responsible should remember—history is a reflection of a nation’s collective experience over time. It cannot be changed at anyone’s whim,” Patnaik said, delivering a pointed criticism without directly naming the BJP.

Responding to Patnaik’s remarks, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal dismissed the comments as politically motivated and inappropriate for the occasion.

“Today should be about paying homage to Biju Patnaik, a towering figure in Odisha’s history. Instead, Naveen Patnaik has chosen to indulge in political rhetoric. It’s unfortunate and unbecoming of a former Chief Minister,” Samal said.

He went further, casting doubt on the authenticity of Patnaik’s remarks. “Either he’s being misinformed by his advisors or simply reading from a script prepared by others. He should reflect on what he is saying,” Samal added.

The exchange comes amid internal unrest within the BJD, as recent events have highlighted divisions within the party’s senior leadership. A faction of veteran leaders was seen holding a separate meeting at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar, signaling dissent and weakening cohesion within the regional party.