The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes during Zero Hour as legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the controversial “Biju-Naveen Inspirational Foundation.”
Amid mounting allegations, BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik later issued a detailed clarification, rejecting the charges as “baseless and negative.”
BJP Alleges Multi-Crore Irregularities
Raising the issue in the House, BJP MLA Santosh Khatua questioned why a trust meant for Odisha’s welfare was registered in Delhi instead of within the state.
He alleged that the foundation came into focus after Santrupt Misra moved to the Rajya Sabha and was found to be serving as its Secretary.
“This trust has been formed to loot the wealth of Odisha,” Khatua claimed, further alleging that a “non-Odiya monk” was the key authority behind it and that even BJD legislators were unaware of its functioning.
Echoing the attack, BJP MLA Babu Singh criticized the BJD’s internal functioning and drew parallels between political alliances, questioning the party’s stand on cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Naveen Patnaik Responds: “A Gift Rooted in Legacy”
Breaking his silence, Naveen Patnaik defended the foundation, linking it to the legacy of his father, Biju Patnaik.
“My brothers and sisters donated Ananda Bhawan to the people of Odisha. Charity was Biju Babu’s hallmark,” he said.
Patnaik revealed that the idea of the trust took shape during a personal health crisis when he was undergoing treatment in Mumbai and Delhi.
“Before my surgery, I decided to establish a trust in Biju Babu’s name for the benefit of the people of Odisha,” he explained.
Key Clarifications by Patnaik
-
Initial Funding: The trust began with ₹1 lakh from his personal savings.
-
No Political Funding: Patnaik asserted that no funds from the BJD or any political source were used.
-
Purpose: The foundation aims to promote Biju Patnaik’s ideals in sectors like education and healthcare.
He also expressed concern over what he described as “negative narratives” in sections of the media regarding the trust.
SCB Incident Adds to Political Heat
Apart from the foundation controversy, the Assembly also witnessed heated exchanges over a recent incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
While Babu Singh defended the government, calling the incident accidental and highlighting swift response by authorities, opposition members attempted to corner the ruling dispensation over alleged administrative lapses.
Singh also took a swipe at former bureaucrat V. K. Pandian, suggesting that past political influences in the state had diminished.
Political Tensions Escalate
The twin issues of the foundation controversy and the SCB incident have intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and BJD. With both sides trading allegations, the developments signal a deepening battle ahead of upcoming political contests in Odisha.