Debate Erupts Over Senior BJD Leader’s Referral to VK Pandian as ‘Chief Minister’

Cuttack: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Badamba MLA, Debi Prasad Mishra, stirred a row with his recent statement referring to VK Pandian as “our Chief Minister.” This statement was made during the launch of the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ program at Kacheri Ground in Cuttack. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the program via video conferencing in the presence of VK Pandian, the 5T secretary.

During his address at the meeting, Mishra stated, “Badamba is the soil of heritage and glory where a new initiative like Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha has been launched. It was launched by our Chief Minister Pandian.” This remark left many attendees puzzled, as it appeared to imply that VK Pandian had taken on the role of Chief Minister.

Notably, this is not the first time a BJD leader has made such a remark about VK Pandian. BJD MP Pramila Bisoyi had previously made a similar statement during a public meeting in her constituency on May 31, 2023.

The repeated remarks from BJD leaders have sparked curiosity about their intentions. Some wonder whether these statements are genuine mistakes or deliberate attempts to convey a message. What’s particularly surprising is that both leaders did not correct their statements during their addresses to the public.

However, Debi Mishra later denied making the statement when speaking to the media, stating, “It is all baseless. I had never said this. I am in a good frame of mind, not insane.” He also suggested that his words were taken out of context and defended the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the inaugural meeting. Mishra claimed that his speech was limited to three minutes and should not be blown out of proportion.

In response to Mishra’s remarks, BJP leader Ashok Panda expressed his doubts, suggesting that the MLA may have been under the influence of alcohol or affected by senility when making the statement. He also raised the possibility that Mishra was attempting to curry favour with VK Pandian to secure his political future. Panda called these remarks shameless and urged the senior BJD leader to explain his statements to the public.

The viral video featuring Mishra’s comment has stirred speculation and debate within political circles. The motivations behind these statements remain a subject of interest, as the mystery surrounding the BJD leaders’ intentions continues to grow.