A day after it was decided by the State government to set up a Heritage Cabinet to promote Odia language, Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today slammed Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stating that it is an attempt to hoodwink people of the State.
BJP’s senior leader Biswabhusan Harichandan targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and said, “Those who do not have respect for the language, are making such big announcements. Within 20 years he (Naveen) has not been able to learn Odia language and cannot speak in the language. Being a ruler he is unable to understand the language of his subjects. Since he does not understand the problems of people he has failed in doing justice to them”. He further stated the move has been made to cheat and fool people. “As the State government has failed on all fronts and is under attack from people, the ruling party is trying to divert attention,” he claimed.
On the other hand, Congress leader Ganeswar Behera welcomed the State government’s Heritage Cabinet decision adding that it has been delayed. “If a law is needed, the State could have gone for an ordinance. Besides, I hope the decision does not fizzle out like those taken earlier. I want a firm execution of the decision,” Behera added.
However, Baishnab Charan Parida, president of the Bhasa Surakhya Sammelani said, “We wanted a language authority instead of a Commission, as decided by the State government. The government is fearful on implementation of Odia as official language because the CM and his officials cannot write in Odia.”
Refuting the charges, BJD leader Subash Singh said, “Naveen Patnaik has been different from his predecessors and brought a complete change in law.”