Bhubaneswar: Raising the issue of the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in 2008, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the previous BJD govt, accusing it of “failure and appeasement politics”.Claiming that the disappearance of the Justice A S Naidu Commission report and related files from Lok Seva Bhavan was part of a “well-planned conspiracy”, Majhi said his govt would ensure the truth comes to light.“I assure the people of the state that the truth will certainly emerge and the real culprits behind the murder will not be spared under any circumstances,” Majhi said while speaking at the release of a book on the slain seer.Responding to the chief minister’s comment, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the allegations were not based on facts. He maintained that the BJD govt was never involved in appeasement politics and asserted that multiple investigations into the case had already brought the facts to light and ensured justice.It may be mentioned here that eight persons were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Phulbani court in 2013 in the 2008 murder of Saraswati and his four associates.Describing Saraswati’s life and sacrifice as a source of inspiration for future generations, the chief minister announced that the seer’s biography would be made available in school and college libraries across the state.“The story of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s sacrifice, struggle, service to tribal communities and devotion to the nation will continue to inspire generations,” Majhi said. He added that the biography of a great personality is not merely a record of past events, but also serves as a guide for young people.Speaking on the occasion, RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale described Saraswati as a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to religious awakening and the protection of dharma.
