Bhubaneswar: Senior Odisha BJP leader Jatin Mohanty Thursday criticised former chief minister Naveen Patnaik for his alleged support for those involved in the arrest of two key organisers of the Gen-Z movement, Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, and demanded their immediate release.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Mohanty questioned the rationale behind Naveen Patnaik’s stand and said that seeking the release of the arrested individuals while questioning the judicial process and administrative competence amounted to undermining institutional credibility.
Patnaik had argued that raising the national flag in a prohibited area could not automatically be treated as an offence warranting continued detention and urged the authorities to ensure the early release of the two arrested individuals, subject to due process of law. He said such developments could erode young people’s faith in the judicial system.
Questioning Patnaik’s political position, Mohanty said that the former chief minister had long maintained that the law would take its own course but apparently did not genuinely believe in the judicial and administrative systems. He asked why Patnaik appeared to have changed his position now and whether the shift reflected support for forces responsible for disorder. He further alleged that the movement, which has spread from France to Italy and Spain, had witnessed widespread violence and unrest and claimed that attempts were being made to undermine democratic and administrative institutions and replace established systems with anarchy.
Mohanty further alleged that some leaders were citing developments in Bangladesh as a source of inspiration. Referring to Patnaik’s support for those describing themselves as representatives of the youth, he questioned the political implications of such a stance and alleged that it reflected a lack of sound political judgment. He also questioned whether the BJD was indirectly supporting forces seeking to divide the country and said the party would have to explain its position to the people. Mohanty contrasted Patnaik’s alleged stand with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to strengthen national unity and promote the interests of young people.
He said it was unfortunate for the BJD to support leaders whom he described as divisive at a time when the Prime Minister was working towards the country’s unity and development. The BJP leader questioned whether the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was now standing in support of forces seeking to divide India and promote anarchy. The BJD would have to answer to the general public on this issue, he added.
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