Bhubaneswar, October 15: Newly appointed Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram has clarified his reported remarks about strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha, saying he will work in coordination with everyone and will not serve the interests of any particular political party. His clarification comes after the comments triggered criticism from opposition parties and sparked a political debate over the impartiality expected of a constitutional office-holder.
Ram’s appointment as Governor was announced by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12, 2026. Before the clarification, reports of his remarks about strengthening the BJP’s organisational presence and increasing its vote share in Odisha had drawn objections from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress.
Governor Says He Will Work With Everyone
Responding to questions about the reported comments, Ram said he would coordinate with everyone and was now above party politics. He also acknowledged his continuing personal attachment to the party he had previously served but maintained that he would not work for any particular political party.
His clarification addresses concerns raised over whether the reported remarks were consistent with the responsibilities of the Governor’s office. The position requires the constitutional head of a state to discharge official duties in accordance with the Constitution.
BJD Questions Impartiality of Constitutional Office
The BJD criticised Ram’s reported remarks, arguing that a Governor should remain impartial and above party politics. Party representatives said the comments raised concerns about the neutrality expected from someone appointed to a constitutional position.
The controversy followed reports that Ram had spoken about making the BJP’s Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha more active in Odisha and working to increase support for the party. The remarks were reported in an interview in Ranchi before he formally assumed charge as Governor.
BJP Defends Governor-Designate
The BJP defended Ram amid the criticism, arguing that opposition parties should allow him to begin his work before judging his performance in office. The party also suggested that the controversy should not be escalated unnecessarily.
The competing responses have brought the Governor’s expected political neutrality into focus. While the opposition has questioned the reported remarks, Ram’s subsequent clarification emphasises coordination with all stakeholders rather than working for one political organisation.
Constitutional Responsibilities in Focus
The Governor’s role is distinct from that of a political party leader. Although individuals appointed to the position may have political backgrounds, their official responsibilities are governed by the Constitution.
Ram’s clarification comes as political parties debate the implications of his reported comments. His conduct after assuming office will be relevant to how his stated commitment to working with everyone is reflected in the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities.
The Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram controversy has therefore centred on the distinction between personal political affiliation and official constitutional duties. Ram has said he will work with all stakeholders and not for any particular party, while opposition leaders continue to raise concerns about the impartiality expected from the Governor’s office.
