Bhubaneswar/New Delhi
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has alleged that a campaign is being funded to tarnish his image and undermine his position in the Union government following the arrest of one of his aides in an alleged organised crime case in Odisha’s Rourkela.
Oram, speaking to reporters on Friday, said he believed the campaign was aimed at creating an opportunity for others to replace him in the Union Cabinet. The aide, Prakash 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.
Oram, a six-time MP from the tribal-dominated Sundergarh Lok Sabha constituency, also said he had now decided to contest the 2029 general elections despite having earlier announced that he would not seek another term.
“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.
Oram said he would identify those behind what he described as a conspiracy against him and that he had already raised the issue 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.
Oram’s comments have triggered a political response in Odisha, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal and Congress questioning his remarks and alleging that they point to serious internal differences within the BJP.
BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik 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.” BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty also claimed that Oram’s remarks indicated the existence of a conspiracy against him.
“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.
Mohanty further questioned the implications of Oram’s remarks for law and order in Odisha. “Oram is openly declaring that he will take the law into his own hands. How is this comment justified?” Mohanty said.
The Congress also criticised the Union minister. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das described Oram’s comments as “rude” and said they reflected the BJP’s “fascist” ideology.
Das alleged that the minister’s remarks could affect the investigation into the case involving his aide.
“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.
