Markandey Katju apologize for Odisha joke

Markandey KatjuMarkandey Katju‬ apologize to Odisha

In recent Facebook post, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju had written: “What is there to write about these (Odiya) poor chaps? Ever since they got a thrashing at the hands of Ashoka in the battle of Kalinga, they have been a dejected lot. Now all they have with them are a lot of pots (Patras), big pots (Mahapatras) and supposedly intelligent kings (Patnaiks).”

This has not gone well with Odias. The remark appears to have incensed Odias across the political spectrum, including the Jagannath Sena. BJD parliamentarian Tathagata Satpathy followed what may or may not be his opinion on the former justice with a disclaimer similar to Katju’s. “PS: All this is a joke. Plllleease do not file charges against me,” said the tweet on his official handle.

The BJP held a press conference in the state where senior leader Biswa Bhusan Harichandan had a little history lesson for justice Katju, while the Jagannath Sena burnt a poster of Katju, calling him “desh drohi”, and announced that he would not be allowed to visit Odisha.

Later he begged an apology for hurting the sentiments of the people. Talking to a local TV channel, Katju said he would post an apology on Facebook. “People have got a wrong impression with the Facebook post, which was just a joke.”

“In fact, Dr KN Katju, my grandfather, was Governor of Odisha. I have also respect for chief minister Naveen Patnaik and his father, late Biju Patnaik. I have been to the state many times and have seen Konark temple, Lingaraj Temple and Puri Temple. I will post an apology on the Facebook immediately,” he said. “I confess that I do not know much about Odisha. I have to acquire a lot of knowledge about the state. At the age of 70, I believe I have to learn a lot,” added Katju.

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