Bhubaneswar: A fresh political controversy has emerged over the ‘Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation’, with BJD president Naveen Patnaik today issuing a clarification on its formation even as the BJP questioned the timing and intent behind the move.

Breaking his silence, Patnaik said the trust was formed during a period when he was preparing for a serious neck surgery. He stated that before undergoing the operation in Mumbai, he travelled to Delhi to consult legal and financial experts on setting up a trust.

“I decided to open a trust in Biju Babu’s name for the benefit of the people of Odisha,” Patnaik said, adding that the foundation was initiated with a personal contribution of Rs 1 lakh. He emphasised that no funds from the Biju Janata Dal or any political party would be used for the trust.

The former chief minister also said the clarification was necessary as “negative stories” were circulating in sections of the media regarding the formation of the trust.

However, the BJP has raised several questions over the clarification. BJP MLA Santosh Khatua questioned why the clarification came months after the trust’s formation.

“The trust was formed on May 9, 2025. Why was this clarification not given earlier?” Khatua asked. He also sought details on the operation of the trust and its registration.

“If the trust is for Odisha, why has it not been registered here?” he added.

Notably, the row emerged after suspended BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra shared documents related to the foundation on social media. She alleged that the trust could be part of a broader plan to gain control over party assets and funds.