BJP and BJD Clash Over Odia Pride Slogan in Heated Debate

Odisha's ruling BJP and opposition BJD engaged in a heated exchange over the Odia 'Asmita' (pride) slogan. The BJD accused the BJP of making hollow claims and disrespecting Odisha's pride, while the BJP countered by alleging that the BJD undermined Odia pride during its 24 years in power.

A heated exchange erupted between Odisha's ruling BJP and the opposition BJD on Wednesday over the Odia 'Asmita' (pride) slogan, with both parties accusing each other of making hollow claims.

The BJD claimed that BJP's assertions of promoting Odia pride were empty, while BJP argued that the regional party lost power after 24 years as people felt their pride was being compromised. BJD leader Lekhashri Samantasinghar accused BJP Ministers of disrespecting the Odia language and cited an instance where Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari failed to write 'Bharat Mata Ki Jay' in Odia correctly.

In retaliation, BJP spokesperson Dillip Mallik contended that BJD undermined Odisha's pride during its tenure. He likened BJD president Naveen Patnaik to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that both were trying to create chaos. Mallik criticized Patnaik for not learning Odia despite his long tenure, and ridiculed his attempts to criticize the BJP.

(With inputs from agencies.)