Odisha: Jual Oram Sees Conspiracy To Malign Image
Threatens to ‘chop off hands’ of detractors; although the Union minister did not name any politician, political observers interpreted his remarks as being directed at Dilip Ray
Bhubaneswar: Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram on Friday alleged that a malicious campaign was being orchestrated against him by a leader within the BJP who was aspiring for a berth in the Union Council of Ministers.
The veteran BJP leader, who represents Sundergarh in the Lok Sabha, made the allegations while responding to questions from reporters at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar over the recent arrest of Prakash Paswan, one of his close associates in Rourkela, in connection with a firearm seizure case.
Visibly angry over the questions, Mr Oram said, “Some people are trying to tarnish my image and reputation. I am a tribal leader and nobody can put me down. They cannot succeed in their design.”
Asked to name those allegedly behind the campaign, Mr Oram said some people who had joined the BJP were involved in attempts to malign him.
“For some days now in Rourkela, some people have been trying to malign my image by spending money. They are spreading lies about me, thinking that if I am dropped from the Union ministry, they will be accommodated in my place,” he alleged.
“I have built this party in Odisha by giving my sweat and blood. I know the party quite well. I am content with whatever the party has given me,” the Union minister said.
Mr Oram also announced that he would reconsider his earlier decision not to contest elections in the future.
“I am a politician. Earlier, I had announced that I would not contest elections. Now I declare that I will contest elections again. I challenge the forces conspiring against me to fight elections against me and win,” he said.
In an apparent warning to those behind the alleged campaign, Mr Oram said he would not remain silent and threatened to “chop off the hands” of those making such “misadventures”.
Although the Union minister did not name any politician, political observers interpreted his remarks as being directed at Dilip Ray, who was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent candidate with the support of the BJP.
There was no immediate reaction from Mr Ray to the allegations.
Mr Oram said he had already apprised BJP state organisational secretary Manas Mohanty of the developments. He added that, if necessary, he would bring the matter to the attention of the party’s central leadership.
