The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by senior BJP legislator Jayanarayan Mishra during a recent government event in Sambalpur. The BJD has labeled these remarks as divisive and a threat to the unity of Odisha.
Senior BJP leader and MLA Jaynarayan Mishra has ignited controversy with his recent comments about the formation of Odisha. Speaking at an event organized for the disbursement of the second installment of Subhadra Yojana, Mishra stated that the merger of Koshala during the formation of Odisha was a mistake.
Mishra argued that the term “Utkal” primarily refers to the regions of Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore. He stated that the state of Odisha was formed by merging Utkal, Koshala, and Kalinga. Mishra claimed that regions like Koshala and Kalinga have been neglected and exploited, while only Utkal receives recognition. The BJP leader expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of representation for Koshala and Kalinga in Odisha’s cultural and political discourse.
“The people of Sambalpur must understand that Utkal refers to Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore. Odisha was formed after the merger of Utkal, Koshala, and Kalinga. We are being exploited. We participated in the movement for our merger with Odisha, but this was our biggest mistake,” Mishra said.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty described Mishra’s statement as “harmful to the very fabric of Odisha’s unity” and criticized the BJP’s attempt to undermine the state’s progress. Dr.Mohanty emphasized that the BJP’s previously promoted slogan of a “developed Odisha” now stands in stark contrast to Mishra’s rhetoric, which promotes division and fragmentation. He stated, “This statement is not just an individual issue, but a manifestation of the BJP’s divisive approach.”
The BJD has demanded an apology from Jaynarayan Mishra and urged Odisha’s Chief Minister to take a stand on the issue. “The Chief Minister must clarify where he stands on Mishra’s divisive comments. Silence on this matter will only raise doubts about whether the BJP is truly committed to a ‘developed Odisha’ or if it is merely a slogan,” said Dr. Mohanty. The BJD believes that the people of Odisha deserve transparency and clear leadership on matters of such importance.
Mohanty further criticized the BJP’s agenda, stating that Mishra’s remarks reflect a deeper, troubling attitude within the party aimed at dividing Odisha. “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Odisha’s formation, we cannot let such destructive rhetoric gain ground in our political discourse. Odisha’s strength lies in its unity, and the BJD will continue to safeguard it,” he added.
The BJD has demanded that Jaynarayan Mishra offer a formal apology to the people of Odisha. According to Mohanty, Mishra’s words do not align with the values of unity and progress that are central to Odisha’s identity. The apology is seen as a necessary step for restoring public confidence and healing the rift caused by his divisive comments.
The BJD called on the BJP leadership to denounce such harmful rhetoric and adopt a more responsible stance to foster unity and development in Odisha. Mishra’s controversial remarks have caused widespread outrage, and the BJD believes the BJP must address this issue immediately.
While Mishra’s statement has triggered a political debate, the state government has yet to issue an official response.
