Overview

• A statue of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was set on fire on April 15, 2025, in Patnagarh, Bolangir district, with police detaining a man described as mentally unstable.
• Chief Minister Mohan Majhi condemned the act, calling it a grave insult to Odisha’s pride, and directed authorities to investigate potential conspiratorial motives.
• This marks the third recent act of vandalism targeting Biju Patnaik’s statues, following similar incidents in March in Cuttack district, sparking broader concerns over recurring attacks on his legacy.
• The statue had previously been a focal point of controversy, with local Brahmin communities opposing its installation and demanding a statue of Lord Parshuram instead, leading to legal disputes.
• Political leaders across party lines, including the ruling BJP and opposition BJD, have condemned the act, emphasizing its impact on Odia identity and cultural heritage.