Raipur
A statement by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purandar Mishra has ignited a major political controversy in Chhattisgarh. While extending greetings for Diwali, the legislator referred to Naxalites as ‘bhaiyon’ (brothers).
The Congress party sharply criticised the remark, questioning the MLA’s mental balance.
Congress spokesperson Dhananjay Thakur termed the statement “condemnable and objectionable”, saying, “BJP MLA Purandar Mishra is not in a stable state of mind. The BJP must clarify whether Purandar Mishra’s statement reflects the party’s official stand.”
Thakur further added that Naxalites are anti-development and have brutally murdered hundreds of people, including senior Congress leaders such as Bhima Mandavi. He said, “Naxalites are the reason why people in Bastar are unable to celebrate festivals or feel joy.”
MLA’s Statement
The BJP has not yet issued an official reaction to Mishra’s comment. In his Diwali message, the MLA said, “I extend Diwali greetings to my Naxalite brothers, and I hope they will join the mainstream one day.”
Previous Controversy
This is not the first time Purandar Mishra has courted controversy. A few months ago, while addressing the media on the first day of Navratri, he had sparked an uproar by incorrectly stating that Lord Ram died on the day of Dussehra, saying, “Ram was killed on the day of Dussehra.”
