Bhubaneswar, March 11 -- Senior BJP leader and Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra has reaffirmed his stance on the topic of integration of the Kosal region with Odisha, stating that he stands by his remarks and sees no reason to retract them. His statement comes amidst sharp criticism from the BJD and protest by the party MLAs in the Odisha Assembly.

Reacting to the uproar, Mishra questioned the selective approach towards regional identity and development. "The former Chief Minister was in power for 24 years but never spoke Odia. However, when I speak about the development of my region, it is seen as an attack on Odia identity," he said.

Referring to the recital of 'Bande Utkala Janani' at the event where he made the controversial stateme...