Congress Demands Apology from Odisha Chief Minister Over Remarks

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has called for an apology from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following his comments regarding Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party related to the Voter Adhikar Yatra incident in Bihar. The OPCC alleges that the remarks made by the Chief Minister were part of a broader strategy orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine Gandhi’s reputation and disrupt the ongoing campaign in Bihar.

During a press conference held on Saturday at Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, OPCC representatives, including Rajani Kumar Mohanty, Nishikant Mishra, and Jayashree Patra, accused the BJP of attempting to defame Gandhi. They claimed that the BJP’s actions were intended to distract from the Voter Adhikar Yatra, which aims to promote voters’ rights and awareness.

Allegations of Conspiracy and Misrepresentation

Rajani Kumar Mohanty specifically criticized the BJP for its involvement in a controversy sparked by remarks made by Mohammad Rizvi, a functionary in the BJP’s minority cell. Rizvi allegedly made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his deceased mother during a press conference in Patna. Mohanty pointed out that Rahul Gandhi was not present at this press conference, yet the BJP has tried to link him to the controversy, further alleging that the Chief Minister’s statements lacked a factual basis.

The Congress spokesperson highlighted that Rizvi had been identified in media reports and social media photographs alongside senior BJP leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This evidence, according to Mohanty, undermines Majhi’s claims and raises questions about the integrity of the accusations against Gandhi.

Historical Context and Calls for Accountability

Mohanty also addressed the historical context of derogatory remarks made by BJP leaders against Congress leaders, including past insults directed at Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi from figures such as Prime Minister Modi. He questioned why Chief Minister Majhi had not previously condemned such comments, suggesting a double standard in his approach.

In light of these events, the OPCC reiterated its demand for an apology from Chief Minister Majhi. They assert that accountability is necessary for fostering a political discourse that respects all parties involved.

The situation exemplifies the ongoing tensions between the Congress and BJP in Odisha, reflecting broader political dynamics as the Voter Adhikar Yatra continues to gain momentum across the region. The Congress aims to ensure that its message regarding voter rights remains clear and undistorted by political rivalries.