'Shocked': Odisha governor's 'will work for BJP' remark sparks political row

NEW DELHI: Newly appointed Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram has sparked controversy after allegedly expressing his intention to bolster the BJP during a recent radio interview, eliciting sharp criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress. Both parties raised concerns about the impartiality expected of a constitutional office-holder, with the Congress demanding Ram's recall.

The BJD shared a PTI video of the governor discussing his plans after taking over, to which the party expressed shock and accused Ram of undermining the principle that a governor must remain above party politics. BJD leader Naveen Patnaik called for Ram to uphold constitutional dignity. The opposition party's media coordinator criticized the comments as unbecoming of a governor.

The Congress accused Ram of openly displaying a partisan stance before assuming a constitutional office, emphasizing that the Governor's duty is to protect the Constitution rather than advance any political party's interests. The BJP government was criticized for attempting to bring constitutional institutions under its control, with the OPCC demanding immediate recall of the governor or an objection from the Chief Justice of the High Court. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra mocked Ram and the BJP on social media.