Tribal leader Giridhar Gamang's decision today to join BJP elicited sharp reactions from Congress, which he quit and the ruling BJD in Odisha.
Accusing BJP of playing the tribal card by inducting Gamang into its fold, BJD questioned its banking on 'discredited' leaders from the Congress.
BJD spokesman P K Deb said "They (BJP leaders) were earlier accusing us of appeasing tribals for votes. Now, induction of Gamang has exposed BJP's secret motive. Who is doing politics over tribals?"
The BJD's youth wing said in a statement "It is surprising that BJP has inducted Gamang, who ensured the defeat of Vajpayee government in 1999. How can the leader who pulled down NDA government then help BJP grow in the state."
The party alleged that Gamang had never worked for the uplift of tribals though he had been MP nine times from Koraput, a chief minister once and union minister several times.
"The people of Odisha are yet to forget the misdeeds of the then Congress government headed by Gamang when the super cyclone devastated Odisha in 1999," the BJD youth wing's statement issued by its general secretary Bijay Kumar Nayak said adding it was the prime reason why the people of Odisha have been voting Naveen Patnaik for four consecutive terms.
Congress, however, said Gamang's joining BJP would not affect its tribal support base in the state. "The tribal people traditionally support Congress and not any individual. Therefore, Gamang joining BJP will not affect the Congress' popularity among tribal communities," said Odisha PCC president Prasad Harichandan.
Congress leader Narasingh Mishra, who is also the Leader of Opposition said "Gamang has joined the communal politics. This shows his commitment towards secular ideology."
BJP leaders in the state on the other hand expressed confidence that Gamang's induction would help the party grow among the tribal communities.
Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said "Gamang is a seasoned politician who has considerable hold and respect among tribals, poor and backward classes and will benefit BJP."
Another Union Minister Jual Oram also said "I am happy. Gamang's joining will strengthen BJP in southern Odisha."
Gamang had resigned from Congress on May 30 and announced his joining in BJP in Delhi after meeting BJP president Amit Shah.
