The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) strongly objected to a comment by Odisha Governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram, who was quoted as saying that he would work towards strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after assuming office.

“We are shocked to hear his response to a news agency, in which he reiterates that he would work toward strengthening the BJP party organisation,” said Lenin Mohanty, BJD spokesperson, in a statement.

Mr. Mohanty said, “We condemn, the statement which negates the fact that Governor is above party politics.”

68-year-old Mr. Ram was first elected to Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1991 and elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996 and 1998. After bifurcation of Bihar, he represented member Palamu Lok Sabha in Jharkhand.

Mr. Ram was not the first person from Jharkhand to become Governor of Odisha. Earlier, Raghubar Das, the former Jharkhand Chief Minister, had also held a gubernatorial role in the State. During his tenure, Mr. Das faced similar criticism from the BJD for his frequent visits to different districts. The BJD had then termed him an “agent” of the BJP in the State ahead of the 2024 elections.