Anonymous Posters Rock Odisha Politics: Naveen Faces Trust Row
Bhubaneswar: Anonymous posters questioning Minister Naveen Patnaik’s decision to establish the Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation in Delhi have triggered a fresh political storm in Odisha.
The posters, which appeared in the capital city, carried the provocative line: “Trust in Delhi for whose interest? Naveen Patnaik, give an answer!”
Reacting sharply, BJD leaders dismissed the posters as a “low-level conspiracy.” MLA Dhruba Sahu defended Naveen’s clean image, citing his family’s sacrifices, while Chief Whip Pramila Mallick stressed that the trust is a personal initiative in his father’s name and involves no Odisha government funds.
The BJP, however, distanced itself from the posters while demanding transparency.
MLA Santosh Khatua insisted that Naveen Patnaik must clarify the purpose of the Delhi-based trust, warning that such controversies could spread beyond Bhubaneswar.
He linked the issue to corruption and misuse of public money, intensifying the political sparring.
The controversy has reignited tensions between the ruling BJD and opposition BJP, with the trust’s establishment being framed alternately as a legitimate tribute to Biju Patnaik or a move serving interests outside Odisha.
