Amid intensifying political heat and an ongoing case in the Odisha High Court, Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has publicly defended the formation of the “Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation” Trust, invoking the legacy of his father, Biju Patnaik.

“Charity Was in Biju Babu’s DNA”

Responding to allegations of opacity, Naveen Patnaik highlighted his father’s global reputation for philanthropy. He pointed to Biju Patnaik’s contribution to science through the institution of the Kalinga Prize, which he personally funded to promote scientific temper worldwide.

“Biju Babu was known for his charitable work. This foundation is a continuation of that legacy of service and inspiration,” Patnaik said, positioning the trust as a social initiative rooted in public welfare.

Controversy Deepens, PIL Filed in High Court

The trust has sparked a major political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging that it was used for questionable fund collection and to manage BJD-linked properties in Delhi.

The issue has now reached the Odisha High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by senior advocate Shivsankar Mohanty. The petition seeks a thorough investigation into the foundation’s formation, funding sources, and operational transparency.

Rajya Sabha Row Fuels Political Fire

The controversy escalated further during the recent Rajya Sabha elections when BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal accused BJD candidate Santrupt Misra of not disclosing his role as Secretary of the foundation in his election affidavit.

The BJP has raised questions over whether such non-disclosure could attract disqualification, intensifying the political confrontation between the two parties.

BJD Calls Allegations “Politically Motivated”

The BJD has strongly rejected the allegations, terming them “baseless” and politically driven. Party insiders maintain that the foundation aims to institutionalize the ideals and contributions of both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik for future generations.

All Eyes on Court Proceedings

With the Odisha High Court set to hear the matter, the “Biju-Naveen Inspirational Foundation” has emerged as a key flashpoint in Odisha politics. The case now places the legacy of the Patnaik family under judicial scrutiny, even as political tensions continue to rise in the state.

The post Naveen Patnaik Clarifies Formation of ‘Biju-Naveen’ Trust; Reminds Critics of Biju Babu’s Legacy of Charity appeared first on Odisha Connect.