Odisha Congress Demands Action Against BJD Leader for Controversial Nehru Comparison
Political Tensions Rise in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress has called on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik to take disciplinary measures against his political secretary, Santrupt Misra, following his controversial remarks comparing Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian.
Bhakta Charan Das, the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), stated on Monday that the party will not accept any form of disrespect towards the nation’s first Prime Minister.
"We have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Naveen Babu to act against Misra. If he fails to do so, Congress members will stage a protest outside Naveen Niwas, Patnaik's residence. We will not stand for any disrespect towards Nehru, who significantly contributed to Odisha's development," Das asserted.
In response to inquiries, Misra defended his comments, claiming, "I did not make any inappropriate comparison. My words have been misrepresented. I mentioned Nehru in a specific context, not as a comparison. Those seeking the truth should listen to my interview. The focus should be on facts, not distortions."
During interviews with various Odia news channels, Misra emphasized that discussions should center on issues and development rather than individuals.
He was quoted saying, "People have been discussing Nehru's alleged mistakes even after 60 years. Similarly, we have Pandian, who is being discussed because of his significant contributions to Odisha's progress."
The OPCC president expressed strong disapproval of the comparison, reminding that the BJD was established in honor of former chief minister Biju Patnaik, who was a close associate of Nehru.
"Biju Babu held Nehru in high regard. Misra, who lacks a political background and previously worked in the private sector, should not have made such a comparison with Pandian," Das remarked.
He further criticized Patnaik, suggesting that Misra felt emboldened to make such statements because the BJD leader defended Pandian during the Waqf Bill controversy.
"Naveen Babu supports Pandian but neglects to reprimand his political secretary for such remarks," Das concluded, reiterating the demand for action against Misra within the week. "The Congress will not tolerate disrespect towards Nehru."