Bhubaneswar, Apr 3: Former MP and BJP's MLA candidate from Digapahandi assembly seat, Sidhant Mohapatra on Wednesday came down heavily on BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly neglecting the Odia language and the rich culture of the State.

Addressing a press meet at the BJP's State headquarters here, Mohapatra, who recently quit the BJD and joined the saffron party, said the BJD government has been claiming that it has taken various initiatives for the promotion of the Odia language, but the Chief Minister himself doesn't learn the language.

"The Chief Minister, in his speech, reads the Odia write up written in ‘Roman English’," he said. "Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been in power for 23 years and not being able to speak our mother tongue is hurting the hearts of the people of Odisha."

The actor-turned politician also alleged that the Chief Minister had no time to participate in Utkala Dibasa celebration and sent his representative, a "Nilabarna Srugala" (Self-proclaimed ruler), hurting the sentiment of the Odia people.

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Referring to the first ever World Odia Language Conference organised by the State government recently, Mohapatra said the Odia language used in the event was very pathetic and shocking. The names of Odia legends were pronounced incorrectly, he pointed out.

"There is nothing wrong in thinking about the Odia language in future. But everyone should be concerned about its present state," he said.

BJP will raise its voice whenever there is a threat to the Odia language and its pride, he said adding that if the party comes to power it will take Odia language to new heights.

Mohapatra has been fielded by the saffron party to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Digapahandi constituency in Ganjam district.

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