Jual Oram alleges conspiracy to oust him from Cabinet, issues ‘cut off hands’ warning

Union Tribal Affairs Minister and BJP leader Jual Oram on Friday alleged that some of his party colleagues were conspiring to tarnish his reputation and remove him from the Union Cabinet. He also issued a controversial warning, saying he had the ability to “cut off the hands” of those behind the alleged campaign.

Oram’s remarks came after his aide Rakesh Paswan was arrested in Rourkela, Odisha, in connection with an alleged organised crime case. Paswan has denied the allegations.

Oram had earlier said he had no objection to legal action against Paswan, who was arrested on allegations of providing shelter to criminals at a government-run guest house in the steel city, PTI reported.

‘Conspiracy to oust me from Cabinet’

Speaking to reporters, Oram alleged that several BJP leaders were working together to defame him and undermine his position in the party, allegedly with the aim of securing his Cabinet post.

“Of late, some people are spending money and plotting conspiracies to defame me and undermine my position. They think they will get a chance to become a minister in the Union cabinet if I am dropped,” he said.

The six-time MP from Odisha’s tribal-dominated Sundargarh Lok Sabha constituency also said he had previously decided not to contest another parliamentary election. However, he said the alleged campaign had prompted him to reconsider and that he would contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

‘Ability to cut off their hands’

Oram said he would identify those allegedly orchestrating the campaign and claimed he had already raised the issue with the Odisha BJP organising secretary.

“I will certainly take strong action against them. I have the ability to cut off the hands of anyone who defames me… and burn them,” he said.

BJD, Congress attack BJP

Oram’s remarks drew criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, which accused the ruling BJP of being preoccupied with internal disputes.

BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik said Oram’s statement reflected serious differences within the BJP and alleged that its leaders were fighting among themselves instead of focusing on public issues.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty questioned the minister’s remarks on taking action against his alleged detractors.

“Oram is openly declaring that he will take the law into his own hands. How is this comment justified?” he said.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das described Oram’s remarks as “rude” and alleged that they reflected the BJP’s “fascist” ideology.

“There is no place for violence in India, the country of Gandhi, which fought for freedom through non-violent means and removed foreign rule,” Das said.