The burning of a statue of legendary Odisha leader Biju Patnaik in Patnagarh, Balangir district, has sparked widespread condemnation and political uproar across the state.
What Happened?
Early on Tuesday morning, a disturbing incident unfolded at Block Chowk in Patnagarh—a statue of Biju Patnaik, covered with a protective polythene sheet ahead of its official unveiling, was set on fire.
The man identified as the prime suspect, Jugal Kumar Sahu (also known as Hiru), reportedly ignited the statue covering around 6 a.m. He was quickly arrested by Patnagarh police after officers reviewed CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts.
Police Action: Quick and Firm
The police acted swiftly:
- The fire was immediately doused by responding officers.
- An FIR was registered.
- Jugal Kumar Sahu was taken into custody.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine a motive and mental condition.
Authorities revealed that Jugal had a history of mental health issues, citing a recent incident where he climbed an electric pole and had to be rescued by shutting off the power.
BJP Condemns the Incident
Senior BJP leader Sajjan Sharma called the act:
“Highly condemnable and unpardonable.”
He emphasized that Biju Patnaik—former Odisha Chief Minister and a towering figure in state and national politics—is deeply respected by the BJP.
Sharma clarified that the statue, along with one of Lord Parshuram, was being installed by the government and local administration, and setting it on fire before its inauguration was nothing short of heinous.
Chief Minister Responds
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed strong condemnation, directing police to take strict action against anyone involved. The CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining dignity and public order.
BJD Stages Protest
While political differences often divide, this incident drew unified anger. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest in response to what they called a “desecration” of a national hero.
Led by senior leaders such as:
- Pratap Jena (former Minister & Media Affairs Head)
- Debi Prasad Mishra (Vice President)
- Santrupta Mishra (National Spokesperson)
- Pramila Mallick (Chief Whip)
Dozens of party workers and youth leaders gathered at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, voicing their outrage and demanding justice.
Not the First Time
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just last week, a statue of Biju Patnaik in the Mahanga area of the Cuttack district was vandalized, leading to arrests. These back-to-back incidents have intensified calls for stronger security around public memorials.
What Now?
- The accused is under interrogation.
- Police are examining whether he acted alone or under external influence.
- Both the ruling party and the opposition demand accountability and respect for historical icons.
This unfortunate incident has become a flashpoint for political unity and public emotion. While political parties may differ on policies, they seem united on this front: insulting a leader like Biju Patnaik won’t be tolerated, and any such act will face swift and strict consequences.
