BJD under fire over party flag on Pulwama Martyr’s coffin

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was in the line of fire from the opposition parties after a party flag was found covering the coffin of martyred Odia Jawan Ajit Sahoo, who died in an IED blast by militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on June 17.

Reportedly, while the mortal remains of the Indian Army Jawan were being taken in a procession to his native village at Badasuanla in Kamakshynagar of Dhenakanl district for conduct of the last rites, the coffin was found draped in a BJD flag near Khuntuni area yesterday. The matter came to light after a picture of the same went viral on social media.

Soon after, the incident drew flaks from all quarters. The Odisha BJP condemned the episode and demanded strict action against persons responsible for the act insulting to the martyr.

However, the BJD later apologized for the disgraceful act. Party Spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, “BJD has enormous respect towards martyrs. The incident is very unfortunate and highly condemnable. The party will find out the persons responsible for dastardly act and take stringent action against them.”

Worth mentioning, the mortal remains of Sahoo arrived in Bhubaneswar late on Wednesday night and were taken to campus of 120 Infantry Battalion campus for a guard of honour.

Governor Ganeshi Lal, several political leaders cutting across party lines offered floral tributes to the departed soul yesterday. The coffin was later taken to Dhenkanal Mini Stadium and then to his native village, where his mortal remains were consigned to flames.