Political friction has emerged in Odisha following the appointment of Braj Mohan Ram as the state’s new Governor.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a sharp critique regarding the Governor-designate’s political background and neutrality, prompting an immediate public clarification from Ram.
Naveen Patnaik Questions Gubernatorial Neutrality
Taking to social media, Patnaik welcomed the former Lok Sabha MP to the state while explicitly questioning his intent, pointing to remarks regarding party organization.
”Heartiest welcome to Shri Braj Mohan Ram ji nominated as the new Governor of Odisha. The people of Odisha are watching the enthusiasm of the nominated Governor to do party work,” Patnaik wrote on X.
The BJD chief expressed hope that Lord Jagannath would grant Ram the strength to discharge his constitutional duties impartially and maintain the dignity of the office.
Odisha’s opposition BJD on Wednesday expressed dismay over newly appointed Governor Braj Mohan Ram’s reported remarks that he would “work to strengthen the BJP” after assuming office.
Braj Mohan Ram Clarifies Position
Addressing the controversy surrounding his reported comments about strengthening the BJP organization, Braj Mohan Ram clarified his stance to mediapersons. He emphasized that once stepping into a constitutional role, partisan affiliations take a backseat.
”No, I did not say this. I said that I will work in coordination with everyone. I am now above party politics, but the party I belong to is my capital. I will always have affinity and love for that party. But I will not work for any particular party. Hum sabke hain, sab hamare hain…” Ram stated.
Ram succeeds Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati as the 44th Governor of Odisha. While opposition parties have flagged concerns over maintaining strict constitutional propriety, the Governor-designate has reiterated his commitment to serving all sections of the state equitably.
BJD media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said the comments were unbecoming of a governor.
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das in an X post said, “The Governor’s constitutional responsibility is to uphold the Constitution impartially, not to advance the electoral interests of any political party.”
Constitutional offices must remain above partisan politics, he said.
Ram stated that he would work for the BJP SC Morcha in Odisha just as he had done in Jharkhand in the past, the Congress leader alleged.
All India Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, in a sarcastic post, said, “Hello Odisha- this is your new governor. He says his job is to strengthen saffron organisation in Odisha. The state has become a dump yard for unemployed senior sanghis! @Naveen_Odisha”.
