Ranchi: Odisha governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram clarified his remarks about strengthening the BJP’s organisation in the state on Thursday, stating that he was now above party politics and would work in coordination with everyone.Ram’s alleged remarks, where he said he would work to strengthening BJP’s organisational base in Odisha and increasing its vote share, led to an uproar. Biju Janata Dal and Congress questioned the propriety of a person set to occupy a constitutional office speaking about partisan political objectives. The opposition argued that a governor must remain above party politics and uphold the constitutional principle of neutrality.Ram is scheduled to take oath of office on Oct 18.Speaking to a news agency, Ram denied making statements aimed at securing partisan political gains. “Humara samanway sabhi dal aur samajh ke logon ke saath rahega (I will coordinate with all parties and other members of the society),” he said.Clarifying his position, Ram said he did not mean what was quoted. Ram said his political background would remain a part of his personal journey, but it would not influence the discharge of his responsibilities as governor.“Hum dal ke upar ho gaye hain (I am above the party now),” he said. Ram said his affection for BJP, with which he had been associated, would naturally continue. “However, that this would not mean working for the benefit of any particular party or faction,” he said.Ram said the concerns and needs of people would be addressed without discrimination.“Jo samasya hoga, jo kaam hoga, jo samadhan hoga, wo sabke liye hoga, sabhi ke liye (Whatever concerns, their resolutions will happen, it will be inclusive in nature),” he said.Jharkhand Pradesh Congress spokesperson Rakesh Sinha said Ram’s remark has testified how BJP has been converting all constitutional offices to camp offices of the BJP and RSS. “The clarification is a smokescreen now as it has exposed the mindset of the BJP and its functionaries. Now, it wants to convert Lok Bhavan in Odisha into an RSS Shakha,” he said.
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