Jual Oram alleges conspiracy to oust him from Union ministry
Union minister Jual Oram claims a conspiracy is afoot to tarnish his image and remove him from office, following his aide's arrest in an organised crime case.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday alleged that a section of people within his party are conspiring to defame him and have him removed from the Union ministry. The claim comes days after his aide, Rakesh Paswan, was arrested in Odisha's Rourkela for allegedly sheltering criminals at a state-run guest house. Paswan has denied the charges.
Speaking to reporters, Oram said some individuals who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from other political outfits have launched a paid propaganda against him, hoping to secure a ministerial berth if he is dropped. "They think they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union cabinet if I am dropped," he said, adding that he has full faith in the party's recognition of his contributions.
Oram, a six-time MP from the tribal-dominated Sundergarh constituency, said he had earlier decided not to contest elections again, but in light of the alleged conspiracy, he would now contest the 2029 general elections. He also said he has taken up the matter with the Odisha BJP organising secretary and vowed to take strong action against those involved. "I have the ability to cut off the hands of anyone who defames me… and burn them," he asserted.
The minister's remarks drew sharp reactions from opposition parties. BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik said the statement reflects severe internal differences within the BJP, with leaders busy fighting each other instead of serving the people. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the minister's language indicates he is disturbed, and that the internal conflict in the BJP has reached an extreme level. Mohanty also questioned Oram's threat to take the law into his own hands, calling it a serious concern for law and order.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das described Oram's comments as "rude" and a reflection of the BJP's "fascist" ideology. He alleged that the minister's remarks were intended to hamper the investigation into his aide's case, and reminded that India, the land of Gandhi, achieved freedom through non-violence.