Biju statue burning evokes widespread condemnation

Leaders across party lines Tuesday condemned the act of setting ablaze a statue of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik at Patnagarh town in Bolangir district.

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Apart from Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), other Left parties also condemned the incident.

Denouncing the act, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “This can only be the handiwork of some lowly person, perhaps suffering from some mental illness,” Majhi said, adding that he has directed police to take stern action against persons involved in this incident and expose if there is any conspiracy behind it.

The CM said that one person has so far been arrested. He said the state government recognises the contributions of Biju Patnaik and gives due respect to all legendary figures, who made significant contributions to nation building.