Bhubaneswar, Aug 28 (PTI) Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday claimed that some people have launched a propaganda to tarnish his image and oust him from the ministry, after an aide was arrested for alleged involvement in an organised crime case in Odisha’s Rourkela.
Oram had earlier made it clear that he had no objection to legal action being taken against his aide Rakesh Paswan, who was arrested on the charge of allegedly sheltering criminals at a state-run guest house in the steel city.
Paswan has denied the charges.
“Of late, some people who joined the BJP from other political parties have launched a propaganda by spending money to defame me, undermine my position. They think they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union cabinet if I am dropped. I know this party (the BJP) well and it also recognises my contributions,” the Union Tribal Affairs Minister told reporters.
“I had earlier announced not to contest elections any more. But, under this circumstance, I would certainly contest (the 2029 general elections),” said Oram, a six-time MP from the tribal-dominated Sundergarh Lok Sabha constituency.
The minister said he would identify those who were conspiring against him, and that he has already taken up the matter with the Odisha BJP organising secretary.
“I will certainly take strong action against them. I have the ability to cut off the hands of anyone who defames me… and burn them,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Oram’s remarks drew a sharp response from the opposition BJD and Congress.
Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik of the BJD said, “Oram is a senior tribal leader and his statement shows there is severe internal differences within the BJP. Their leaders are busy fighting among themselves instead of working for the people.” “From the language used by the Union minister, it is clear that a conspiracy has been hatched against him, which has left him disturbed. This clearly indicates that the internal conflict within the BJP has reached an extreme level,” BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said in a statement.
He also asserted that Oram’s remarks have raised serious questions over the law and order situation in the state.
“Oram is openly declaring that he will take the law into his own hands. How is this comment justified?” Mohanty said.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das described Oram’s comments as “rude” and a reflection of the BJP’s “fascist” ideology.
“Oram’s remarks intend to hamper the investigation (into his aide’s case),” Das alleged.
“There is no place for violence in India, the country of Gandhi, which fought for freedom through non-violent means and removed foreign rule,” he said. PTI AAM RBT
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