Union Tribal Affairs Minister and BJP leader Jual Oram has made a startling allegation against some members of his own party, claiming that a coordinated campaign is being funded to tarnish his image and push him out of the Union Cabinet.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Oram alleged that certain BJP leaders wanted him removed so that they could potentially secure a ministerial position themselves.
“Of late, some people are spending money and plotting conspiracies to defame me and undermine my position. They think they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union cabinet if I am dropped,” he said.
Jual Oram Issues Strong Warning
Oram said he would identify those allegedly involved in the campaign and take action against them. He claimed that he had already brought the matter to the attention of 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 me… and burn them,” he asserted.
The minister’s remarks came amid controversy surrounding his aide Rakesh Paswan, who was arrested in Rourkela in connection with an alleged organised crime case. Paswan has denied the allegations against him.
Oram had previously said he had no objection to legal action against Paswan, who was accused of providing shelter to criminals at a government-operated guest house in Rourkela.
Oram Says He Will Contest 2029 Polls
The veteran BJP leader, who has represented Odisha’s tribal-dominated Sundergarh Lok Sabha constituency six times, also said the recent developments had changed his earlier decision about electoral politics.
Oram had previously announced that he would not contest another parliamentary election. However, he now says he intends to return to the electoral fray in 2029.
“I had earlier announced not to contest elections any more. But, under these circumstances, I would certainly contest (the 2029 general elections),” he said.
Opposition Targets BJP Over Oram’s Remarks
Oram’s allegations have triggered a political response from Odisha’s opposition parties, with both the BJD and Congress targeting the ruling BJP over the controversy.
BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik claimed the minister’s statement exposed serious internal differences within the BJP.
“Oram is a senior tribal leader and his statement shows there is severe internal differences within the BJP. Their leaders are busy fighting among themselves instead of working for the people,” Mallik said.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty also questioned Oram’s warning and raised concerns over the implications of a Union minister making such a statement.
“Oram is openly declaring that he will take the law into his own hands. How is this comment justified?” Mohanty said.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das also criticised the remarks, calling them “rude” and alleging that they reflected what he described as the BJP’s “fascist” ideology.
“There is no place for violence in India, the country of Gandhi, which fought for freedom through non-violent means and removed foreign rule,” he said.
