Posters of Prime Minister and Chief Minister deracinated from the Podium of Madhu Babu’s Statue

Subhas Chandra Pattanayak

The sacred podium of Madhu babu’s statue in front of the Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneswar was desecrated by BJP and BJD with metal-framed posters of their respective bosses – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik – in their nasty claim of credit over establishment of oil refinery at Paradip.

Without any prejudice to their claims, I had condemned the disrespect shown to Madhu babu, the founding father of Orissa, on the very day when the entire State was observing his 81st death anniversary.

I had a hope that the politicians would read the wrong they have committed and remove the offending poster-wall that surrounded the sacred podium. That did not happen.

I preferred a notice to the police to the effect that along with my friends, I shall deracinate the offending posters and free the sacred podium of Madhu babu from the sacrilegious posters of the two politicians and their flags at 9 AM today.

Eminent thinker and columnist Tusarkanta Satpathy, famous editor and orator Pradyumna Satpathy, eminent media consultant and social activist Pabitra Maharatha, well-known editor of The News Insight Sagar Satpathy, Journalist Hemant Pandey immediately pledged their total support to the contemplated action. Who’s who of Oriya nationalistic concern in social media posted their support to the idea sans any reservation. Some of them also declared that they shall physically join the joint action in time.

Epitome of Oriya nationalism Sri Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, who also is the editor of Orissa’s largest circulated, multi-edition daily ‘The Sambad’ expressed unreserved solidarity.

As the sun started eliminating the darkness this morning, conscious and non-political members of the civil society woke up to the occasion and gathered at Madhu babu square in front of the Raj Bhavan even before 9 AM.

We pulled out the posters and flags from the sacred podium of Madhu Babu’s statue and sung glory to the founding father of Oriya nation.

Media proved that media means “We the People” as placed in the Preamble of Indian Constitution, to cite a definition given thereto by Justice Indrajit Mohanty of Orissa High Court, as media of every genre covered the event with utmost responsibility and also have built up debates on the issue of desecration of national icons by political parties for their publicity.

A few pictures from the spot received by ORISSA MATTERS from friends are placed here for records.