Bhubaneswar: The controversy surrounding the alleged Biju–Naveen Inspirational Foundation intensified further on Tuesday after suspended BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra shared documents on social media and reiterated her allegations.
The development comes amid ongoing political debate over the reported formation of the foundation in New Delhi under the Indian Trust Act-1882 and the roles attributed to key individuals linked to the party. Mishra alleged that the Foundation has the consent of Naveen Patnaik and claimed that documents bearing his signature exist regarding the use of his Delhi residence for the foundation’s activities.
She also questioned the decision to establish the Foundation outside Odisha and raised concerns over V.K. Pandian being made the lifetime chairman of the Trust. Mishra further alleged that the Foundation was formed without informing party leaders and members.
“Nothing is wrong with creating and managing a Trust. However, there are two names associated with this Trust, Biju Patnaik’s and Naveen Patnaik’s, with whom emotions of thousands of Odias are linked. If the Trust was created with a good intention then why created it outside Odisha?,” she asks while responding to media.
“If it was meant for the betterment and development of the people then why was no other party leader or member aware of the same? BJD Leader Devi Ranjan Tripathy claimed that when questioned, Naveen Patnaik behaved as if he had no idea of the Trust whereas the documents state otherwise”, she added.
Further elaborating, she said, “This depicts that he neither trusts his party members and nor even the MLAs. There is a NITI Aayog Darpan Portal, which has details of all the Biju Naveen Inspirational Trust.”
Mishra also stated, “I had verified the documents before posting it on my social media. Anyone who wishes, can cross verify that with the Darpan Portal or through RTI.”
She added that she became aware of the matter after it was raised by Prabhat Biswal. “I had no idea about the Trust, however, when Prabhat Biswal brought up the topic, it was then that struck me to check details of the Trust on Darpan Portal. Me and fellow workers went through and found the details. To gather more details, I had contacted an acquaintance in Delhi, who sent me the documents’ photocopies today.”
On concerns regarding the structure of the trust, she said, “The deed that was made states that it is irrevocable. If any money or any other asset is transferred to the trust then it cannot be revoked unless the chairman approves. It is a very saddening matter thatb thousands of workers who worked for the party did not get the position instead V.K. Pandian acquired it.”
Responding to the claims, BJD leader Pramila Mallik denied the existence of such a Foundation and termed the allegations as false. “No such Foundation exists; there are some people who are spreading lies. No such document even exists,” she said.
The issue has also drawn reactions from observers. Senior journalist Akshay Sahoo said, “It was alleged that several corruption, including mining corruption took place during the BJD regime. It was also alleged that several leaders from the party had benefitted from the corruption and that the profit money might have been transferred to the Trust in talks. Naveen Patnaik has to answer to the people of Odisha why was the Trust formed in Delhi instead of their own state.”
The controversy continues to generate discussion within political circles, adding to the ongoing debate over the alleged foundation and its formation.
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