Former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik's Statue Set Ablaze

Bhubaneswar: According to police, a statue of Biju Patnaik, the former chief minister of Odisha, was set on fire in Patnagarh town in the Bolangir district on Tuesday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi denounced the event together with the BJD, CPI, and other Left-leaning parties. Majhi stated that he has instructed police to take strong action against those involved in this incident and to uncover any potential conspiracy, saying, "This can only be the handiwork of some lowly person, perhaps suffering from some mental illness."

According to the chief minister, one person has been taken into custody thus far. He said that the state administration respects all great leaders who have made important contributions to the development of the country and acknowledges the accomplishments of Biju Patnaik.

In a statement, Majhi also noted that on March 5, the anniversary of Biju Patnaik's birth, his government recently hosted a state-level event in his honor. "The government will also commemorate the legendary leader's death anniversary on April 17," the chief minister stated, adding that Biju Jayanti was celebrated with great fervor.