Bhubaneswar, April 21 -- A major political statement surfaced on Tuesday on the death anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, as senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra shared a striking personal account during a memorial meeting of the late JB Patnaik.

Speaking at a tribute meeting (Sraddhanjali Sabha) organised by the newly formed Odisha Nagarik Manch, Mohapatra recalled how Patnaik had cautioned him during the formation phase of Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He revealed that Patnaik, whom he described as having an astute sense of foresight, had tried to communicate with him through Arun Dey.

Mohapatra said he had initially declined to meet or even speak over the phone with Patnaik despite repeated attempts. However, throug...