August 14th 2024.
In the city of Bhubaneswar, there has been a heated exchange between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD. Both parties have been accusing one another of making false claims regarding the Odia 'Asmita' slogan. The BJD has claimed that the BJP's promises regarding the pride of Odisha have been proven to be empty, while the saffron party has stated that the people have removed the regional party from power after 24 years because they realized their pride was being compromised.
During a press conference, BJD leader Lekhashri Samantasinghar has stated that the BJP has disrespected the pride of Odisha and its language, despite making it a major campaign issue. She went on to claim that BJP Ministers are unable to read and write in Odia, and even gave an example of Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari failing to write 'Bharat Mata Ki Jay' correctly in Odia, instead writing 'Darat Mata Ki Jay'.
Samantasinghar has also accused the BJP of running the state from Delhi and claimed that the Chief Minister only visits the national capital to receive instructions from the Centre. She also criticized the appointment of a non-Odia as the state's chief secretary, which hasn't happened in 41 years.
In response, BJP spokesperson Dillip Mallik has accused the BJD of undermining Odisha and its pride during their 24 years in power. He has called the BJD's criticism of the BJP 'ridiculous and unfortunate' and has even compared BJD president Naveen Patnaik to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that both are trying to create chaos in their respective areas.
Mallik has further claimed that despite Patnaik's long tenure in office, he still hasn't learned Odia and ridiculed his and his party's lack of respect for the language. He also alleged that Patnaik avoids speaking in the assembly due to his difficulty in speaking Odia properly.
"It is ridiculous and unfortunate to criticize the BJP today in relation to the Odia Asmita," Mallik said. "While Naveen Babu was in power, he created unrest and chaos in the state. Even as an opposition party, he continues to create unrest and chaos through his spokespersons."
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