Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan Friday defended Governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram over his controversial remark that he would “work to strengthen the BJP” after assuming office, saying it could have been a slip of the tongue by a senior leader who had worked for decades for the party.
Harichandan made the remarks while responding to questions about Ram’s statement after he was appointed the new Governor of Odisha.
Ram will replace Hari Babu Kambhampati.
“It could be a slip of the tongue. He might not have given any thought before uttering those words. As he worked for decades for the party, the words might have slipped from his tongue. He did not mean it,” Harichandan said, criticising the Opposition for making an issue of the remark.
The minister said Ram should first be allowed to assume office and that the Opposition would have ample opportunity to assess whether he functions neutrally in accordance with the Constitution.
“If there are any deficiencies, the Opposition can raise questions then, not now over what slipped from his mouth,” Harichandan said.
Earlier, after his appointment was announced, Ram told PTI Videos in Ranchi that he would “work to strengthen the BJP” after assuming charge.
The remark triggered a political row in the state, with the Opposition BJD and Congress condemning it.
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While the BJD expressed shock over Ram’s statement, the Congress demanded his recall as Governor.
“We are shocked to hear his comments, where he reiterated 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.
On Thursday, Ram said that he would assume charge as Governor October 18 on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri.
He is scheduled to leave for Odisha October 17 and take the oath the following day, a close associate of the three-time BJP MP said.
Ram also said he would work in coordination with everyone.
“The state’s development would be my primary agenda. Education, unemployment, farmers’ issues and basic concerns such as electricity and water, along with other matters falling under the constitutional framework, will all be top priorities,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Ram, a native of Jharkhand’s Palamu district, as the new Governor of Odisha Monday.
Ram represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency in undivided Bihar three times, in 1996, 1998 and 1999. He also served as a member of the Bihar Assembly from 1991 to 1995.
