BJP MLA Criticizes Odisha's Former CM Over Ravenshaw University Name Change Proposal

A senior BJP MLA criticized former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik for his comments on renaming Ravenshaw University. Patnaik referred to the controversy as an attempt to distort history, while the BJP legislator accused Patnaik of misunderstanding Odia pride and altering history during his tenure.

A senior BJP MLA criticized former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik over remarks regarding the renaming proposal of the 156-year-old Ravenshaw University. The MLA accused Patnaik of failing to understand 'Odia asmita' (pride).

Jaynarayan Mishra, the senior BJP legislator, claimed that BJD leaders were distorting the history of Odisha, and the electorate gave them a befitting reply in the elections. This accusation came after Patnaik stated that the renaming proposal was an attempt to distort history.

Mishra responded to Patnaik's social media comments by highlighting the historical and cultural contributions demolished during Patnaik's leadership. He asserted that the BJP's 'double engine' government is committed to correcting Odisha's history. Meanwhile, BJP legislators supported the name change, describing the current name as a colonial remnant.

(With inputs from agencies.)