Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram Friday claimed that some people have launched a propaganda to tarnish his image and oust him from the ministry, after an aide was arrested for alleged involvement in an organised crime case in Odisha’s Rourkela.
Oram had earlier made it clear that he had no objection to legal action being taken against his aide Rakesh Paswan, who was arrested on the charge of allegedly sheltering criminals at a state-run guest house in the steel city.
Paswan has denied the charges.
Of late, some people who joined the BJP from other political parties have launched a propaganda by spending money to defame me, undermine my position. They think they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union cabinet if I am dropped. I know this party (the BJP) well and it also recognises my contributions, the Union Tribal Affairs Minister told reporters.
I had earlier announced not to contest elections any more. But, under these circumstances, I would certainly contest (the 2029 general elections), said Oram, a six-time MP from the tribal-dominated Sundergarh Lok Sabha constituency.
The minister said he would identify those who were conspiring against him, and that he has already taken up the matter with the Odisha BJP organising secretary.
I will certainly take strong action against them. I have the ability to cut off the hands of anyone who defames and burn them, he asserted.