Jual Oram alleges conspiracy to oust him from Union ministry

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has alleged a conspiracy by certain individuals to tarnish his reputation and remove him from the Union Cabinet. The controversy follows the arrest of his aide, Rakesh Paswan, in connection with an organized crime case in Rourkela, Odisha. While Oram stated he has no objection to legal action against Paswan, he claimed that political rivals within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are spending money to defame him to secure ministerial positions for themselves.

Oram, a six-time Member of Parliament, reversed his previous decision to retire from politics, announcing he will contest the 2029 general elections. His strong rhetoric, including a statement that he has the ability to “cut off the hands of anyone who defames and burn them,” has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) condemned the remarks as violent and a threat to law and order, while the Congress party demanded his resignation, arguing his comments undermine democratic and constitutional principles.