A fresh controversy has erupted in Odisha after governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram remarked that he would help the Bharatiya Janata Party to secure more votes and strengthen the Scheduled Caste wing of the party. Reacting to his statement, the prime opposition, Biju Janata Dal, has questioned his impartiality as holding a constitutional office.

While speaking to news agency PTI in his home state Jharkhand, Ram said that he would work to bring more people into the BJP, expand it and activate the SC Morcha of the party after assuming the office. He added that despite not getting tickets in elections, he has been loyal to the party and worked honestly.

Expressing gratitude towards PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for appointing him to the post, "Even when I was denied a ticket, I continued to work honestly and actively for the party. These days, people move to a second or third party on the very evening they fail to get a ticket."

"I will work for the poor and ensure justice for those who have been denied it. I will try to resolve basic issues and meet people’s essential needs so that they do not face difficulties," he said while emphasise to work for the state's prosperity.

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BJP spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticised the remarks and said, "We are shocked to hear the Governor say that he will work to strengthen the BJP’s organisation in Odisha. The statement negates the principle that a Governor should remain impartial."

Former CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, also reacted to his remarks and said, "The people of Odisha are witnessing the enthusiasm of the nominated Governor for undertaking party work. Hope that Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath will bestow upon him the zeal and strength to serve the people of Odisha, through which he will fulfil his duties impartially while upholding constitutional dignity."

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Amid mounting criticism, Ram backtracked from his statement, noting that all parties are equal in his view. Speaking in Ranchi on Thursday, Brajmohan Ram said the governor's position is within constitutional boundaries.