Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday claimed that a propaganda is being spread to tarnish his image and remove him from the ministry, after his aide was arrested for his alleged involvement in an organised crime case in Rourkela.
Oram had earlier clarified that he has no objection to legal action against his aide Prakash Paswan, who was arrested for allegedly sheltering criminals at a state-run guest house in the steel city.
“Of late, some people who joined the BJP from other political parties have launched a propaganda against me by spending money to defame me and weaken my position. They believe they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union Cabinet if I am dropped. I know this party (BJP) well and it also recognises my contributions,” the Union Tribal Affairs Minister told reporters.
He further said, “I had earlier announced that I would not contest elections anymore. But under these circumstances, I will certainly contest (the 2029 general elections),” said Oram, a six-time MP from the tribal-dominated Sundargada Lok Sabha constituency.
The minister said he would identify those conspiring against him and that he has already raised the matter with the Odisha BJP’s organising secretary.
“I will certainly take strong action against them. I have the ability to cut off the hands of anyone who defames me and burn them,” he warned.
