Bhubaneswar: Political war of words erupted over BJP legislature party leader KV Singh Deo's obituary reference on Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the Odisha Legislative Assembly today.

"He (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) provided a launchpad for Odisha's present Chief Minister which he may have regretted if he was aware about the way the state is being governed today," said Singh Deo in his obituary speech on the first day of the monsoon session of the Assembly.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) termed it 'unfortunate' saying that politicising an obituary reference is not fair.

"It is extremely unfortunate to make a political statement while making an obituary reference," said BJD MLA Rohit Pujari speaking to reporters outside the House.

"Our duty is to pay homage to the departed leaders. Whatever occurred today in the House was not just," said Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra outside the Assembly.

On the other hand, Singh Deo, reacting to BJD's comment, backed himself over his statements made in the House. "I have spoken my heart out in the House. I don't expect them (BJD members) to support it," said Singh Deo.

Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today moved condolence motion in the House over the demise of Vajpayee, which was supported by Mishra and Singh Deo.