News Desk: A political controversy has erupted in Odisha after governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram reportedly said he would work to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Scheduled Caste (SC) wing and help the party secure more votes. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expressed shock over the remarks, questioning whether he would be able to maintain the impartiality expected of a constitutional authority.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticised the statement, saying it went against the principle that a governor should remain politically neutral. “We are shocked to hear the Governor say that he will work to strengthen the BJP’s organisation in Odisha,” Mohanty said.
Ram, a three-time former BJP legislator from Palamu in Jharkhand, made the remarks during an interview with PTI in Ranchi. He said that after taking charge as Odisha governor, he would focus on expanding and strengthening the BJP’s Scheduled Caste Morcha in the state.
“I will work to bring more people into the organisation and focus on how to secure votes for the BJP,” Ram said, according to the report.
He also spoke about his continued association with the BJP, stating that he had remained active in the party even when he was denied an election ticket. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for recognising his work and appointing him to the constitutional post.
Ram further said he intended to assess the condition of the Scheduled Caste community in Odisha and work towards improving the lives of disadvantaged sections. He stressed the need to address basic problems, ensure justice for people who had been denied it and meet the essential needs of the poor.
He also expressed his intention to contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Odisha.
Meanwhile, BJD president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, reacted to the controversy through a social media post. While expressing hope that Ram would fulfil his responsibilities impartially, Patnaik emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity of the constitutional office.
“The people of Odisha are witnessing the enthusiasm of the nominated Governor for undertaking party work,” Patnaik said, adding that he hoped Lord Jagannath would give Ram the strength to serve the people while upholding constitutional dignity.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the political neutrality expected of governors in India. As constitutional heads of their respective states, governors are expected to discharge their official responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.
With the BJD raising questions over Ram’s comments, his conduct after assuming office is likely to attract close attention from opposition parties and political observers in Odisha.
Reader Comments 0