Naveen Patnaik Addresses Political Controversy Over Delhi-Based Trust Formation
In a significant development amid escalating political tensions, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has publicly clarified the formation of a Delhi-based trust that has become the center of a major controversy. The trust, named the Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation, honors his father Biju Patnaik and himself, and has sparked intense debate in political circles.
Trust Formation Details and Political Backdrop
The trust was established with V K Pandian, a close aide of Naveen Patnaik, serving as president and Rajya Sabha MP Santrupt Misra as secretary. This arrangement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which has raised questions about transparency and timing. The controversy emerged during the run-up to Rajya Sabha elections when a document alleging Misra's connection to the trust went viral, prompting BJP to demand clarifications from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
While Misra remained silent on the matter, the BJD dismissed the document as fabricated. However, the political storm continued to brew, with former BJD members and opposition leaders questioning the trust's establishment in Delhi rather than Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik's Personal Explanation
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly on Wednesday, Naveen Patnaik provided a detailed account of his motivations. "I was going for a very serious neck operation, so I decided to open a trust in Biju babu's name for the benefit of the people of Odisha," he explained. "This is what I wished to do."
He revealed that he initiated the trust with a personal contribution of Rs 1 lakh from his own funds, emphasizing that it was entirely his personal initiative. The former CM highlighted his family's history of charitable work, noting that his father donated the Kalinga UNESCO Prize in Paris for science popularization at age 30, and that he and his siblings donated their family home, Anand Bhavan in Cuttack, to the people of Odisha.
Legal Preparations and Funding Assurance
Naveen Patnaik disclosed that before undergoing his critical neck surgery in Mumbai, he traveled to Delhi for consultations with senior lawyers and chartered accountants specializing in trust matters. "They have expertise on these matters," he stated, underscoring the professional approach taken in establishing the foundation.
He categorically assured that no political party funds would be involved, stating clearly that money for the trust would not come from the BJD or any party sources. This declaration aimed to address concerns about potential misuse of political resources.
Opposition Questions and Lingering Doubts
BJP MLA Santosh Khatua immediately questioned the timing of Naveen's clarification, pointing out that the trust was formed on May 9, 2025. "Why was this clarification not given earlier?" Khatua demanded, expressing skepticism about the delayed explanation.
He further raised concerns about the trust's operational location, asking why it was registered in Delhi instead of Odisha if its purpose was to benefit Odisha's people. "This has raised doubts among the people," Khatua added, reflecting broader public uncertainty about the arrangement.
Former BJD Members Voice Concerns
Former BJD MLA Pravat Biswal, who has been expelled from the party, and former BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra had previously questioned why the trust was established in Delhi with Pandian at its helm. Following Naveen's clarification, Mishra pressed for more answers, asking why the trust's creation wasn't made public earlier and questioning why Pandian, Misra, and former Advocate General Ashok Parija were appointed as life members.
The political controversy continues to unfold as all parties scrutinize the trust's formation, with implications for Odisha's political landscape and public perception of transparency in charitable initiatives by political figures.
