Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP MLA and former minister Jayanarayan Mishra triggered a political controversy on Saturday by claiming that the integration of western Odisha with the state was a “historical mistake” as coastal districts receive preferential treatment in governance, while western Odisha remains neglected. BJD sharply reacted to Jayanarayan’s statement terming it as divisive. Speaking at an event in Sambalpur marking disbursal of Subhadra money to women, Jayanarayan said, “We are being exploited.”
Pointing out perceived imbalance in the representation and development of western regions, the five-time BJP MLA said while Utkal, comprising Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore, continues to receive prominence, the other significant regions of Kalinga and Koshal are reportedly being overlooked.
A former minister in Naveen Patnaik-led BJP-BJD coalition govt, Jayanarayan said despite Koshal’s contribution’s to state’s finances because of its mines, farming and forests, the region remains exploited and merger of western Odisha with the state has not served the region’s interests.
Jayanarayan, who was leader of opposition from 2022 to 2024, is known for being extremely vocal on issues had in Dec last year had courted controversy by saying that he was being sidelined by BJP.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with leaders demanding an immediate apology from the BJP MLA. Opposition parties have accused Mishra of promoting regional divide and undermining the state’s unity.
Speaking to media persons, BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty said the senior BJP leader’s statement shows the saffron party used “Odia Asmita” only as a slogan. At a time when the state is getting prepared to celebrate 100 years of its formation in 2036, the statement shows the BJP is for division and not development. He said the govt should clarify its stand on the same.
Rabi Behera, convenor of Odia Asmita Parishad, a social outfit, who is also state president of Samajwadi Party, Odisha unit, in a statement, said “Jayanarayan’s statements are unfortunate and potentially divisive. He should apologize. The state govt and BJP should also clarify their stand.”