Sambalpur: Drawing Sambalpuri Design on Walkway Insults Sambalpuri Culture; Former Minister Rohit Pujari Alleges

Sambalpur: Former Minister and District BJD President Rohit Pujari strongly criticized the use of Sambalpuri textile designs on road surfaces. In a press statement, he said the move was insulting and unfortunate for the people of Western Odisha.

“Design on Road Disrespects Our Culture”

According to Pujari, the Odisha government has painted Sambalpuri designs on the approach roads of the Fatak overbridge in Sambalpur city. He argued that this disrespects the rich Sambalpuri culture and heritage.

He added that Sambalpuri tradition holds a special identity on the global stage. Painting it on roads, where people have no choice but to walk or drive over it, directly hurts the emotions of Western Odisha residents. He called the decision a serious mistake by the state government.

Calls for Immediate Removal

Pujari urged the government to reverse its decision immediately and erase the painted designs. Otherwise, he warned, the people of Western Odisha will never forgive this act.

He found it contradictory that the government talks about developing Western Odisha on one hand but disrespects its culture on the other. According to him, painting these designs on roads is both laughable and insensitive.

BJP Leader Defends the Move

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudhir Bohidar defended the step, saying it aims to beautify the city. He stated that such artistic expressions were also used during BJD’s rule. In fact, similar designs were painted on the Chaunrpur bridge during the tenure of former Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, who even walked on them during its inauguration.

“Even Bhubaneswar Has Such Designs”

Bohidar further said that even in Bhubaneswar, road beautification with cultural designs is common. According to him, the BJP government is actually making more efforts to promote Sambalpuri culture and traditions.

He criticized BJD for forgetting its past and trying to make an issue out of nothing. He accused the BJD of looting the state for 24 years and disrespecting Jagannath culture, while now pretending to be the protector of regional values.

Final Remarks

Bohidar concluded by saying that development is happening across the state, with special focus on Sambalpur. In his view, BJD cannot tolerate this progress and is now raising unnecessary objections for political mileage.