'Will work for BJP': New Odisha Governor's remarks spark row; Congress demands recall

Bhubaneswar: Newly appointed Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram has triggered a political controversy after reportedly declaring that he would work to strengthen the BJP even after assuming the constitutional office, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress.

Ram, a three-time former BJP MP who was appointed Odisha Governor on Monday, reportedly said he would continue working for the BJP's Scheduled Caste Morcha in the state, just as he had done in Jharkhand.

His remarks, captured in a video released by PTI, have raised questions over the political neutrality expected of a governor, with opposition parties accusing him of openly expressing allegiance to the BJP before assuming office.

The BJD expressed shock over the statement, arguing that the remarks were incompatible with the constitutional responsibilities of a governor.

"We are shocked to hear his comments in a PTI video, where he reiterates that he would work towards strengthening the BJP. We condemn the remark as it negates the fact that the governor is above party politics," the BJD said in a statement.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also reacted to the controversy, expressing hope that the newly appointed governor would discharge his responsibilities impartially.

"The people of Odisha are witnessing the enthusiasm of the nominated Governor for undertaking party work. Hope that Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath will bestow upon him the zeal and strength to serve the people of Odisha, through which he will fulfil his duties impartially while upholding constitutional dignity," Patnaik, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly, wrote on social media.

Patnaik tagged Rashtrapati Bhavan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post, drawing their attention to the controversy.

BJD media coordinator Lenin Mohanty described Ram's comments as unbecoming of a person appointed to the governor's office.

The Congress went a step further, demanding that the Centre recall Ram over his reported remarks.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das accused the BJP of attempting to bring constitutional institutions under its political influence.

"The Governor's constitutional responsibility is to uphold the Constitution impartially, not to advance the electoral interests of any political party," Das said in a post on X.

He emphasised that constitutional offices must remain above partisan politics and criticised Ram's reported intention to work for the BJP's electoral interests.

"It is extremely unfortunate for someone holding the dignified office of Governor to say that he will work to boost the BJP's vote share in Odisha. This exposes the true nature of the BJP," Das said.

The Congress leader alleged that Ram had indicated he would work for the BJP SC Morcha in Odisha, continuing his previous political activities in Jharkhand.

"The BJP government is systematically bringing one constitutional institution after another under the party's control. However, no one has ever engaged in such open partisan politics prior to assuming such a high office," Das said.

OPCC spokesperson Arabinda Das demanded immediate intervention, urging the Centre to withdraw Ram's appointment. He also called on the Chief Justice of the High Court to raise objections to administering the oath of office to the newly appointed governor.

The controversy also drew a sharp response from Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who mocked the appointment and accused the BJP of using constitutional positions to accommodate senior party leaders.

"Hello Odisha- this is your new governor. He says his job is to strengthen saffron organisation in Odisha. The state has become a dump yard for unemployed senior sanghis! @Naveen_Odisha", Moitra wrote in a sarcastic social media post.