Bhubaneswar, Oct. 15 -- Odisha governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram's remarks that he would work to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Scheduled Caste (SC) wing and help the party secure more votes have triggered a political row, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) questioning his impartiality as a constitutional authority.

"We are shocked to hear the Governor say that he will work to strengthen the BJP's organisation in Odisha. The statement negates the principle that a Governor should remain impartial," BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said.

In a PTI interview in Ranchi, Ram, a three-time former BJP lawmaker from Palamu, said he would focus on expanding and activating the BJP's SC Morcha in Odisha after assuming office. "I...