TNI Bureau: After a massive outrage from all walks of life, the local administration in Angul has removed the controversial statue of former Chief Minister of Odisha and noted freedom fighter, Nabakrushna Choudhuri.

Choudhuri’s statue in shirt & trousers was installed at Gopabandhu Park in Angul and was unveiled on the occasion of Utkal Dibasa and the district foundation day.

The statue sparked controversy as Choudhuri, who lived a simple life, used to wear ‘Dhoti and Kurta.’ But the statue had a shirt & trousers. Later, the statue was changed with a ‘Dhoti and Kurta’, but the wearing style did not match the Odia tradition, leading to further outrage. That forced the Administration to withdraw the statue completely.

Krishna Mohanty, daughter of Nabakrushna Choudhuri alleged that from the look of the statue, it is tough to recognise him (Nabakrushna Choudhuri).

Meanwhile, Odisha government, following the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has decided to install a life-size statue of the Nabakrushna Choudhury in Angul Town. It will be based on the design of the statue in front of Odisha Assembly.

Besides, the State government will take immediate action for the redevelopment and conservation of the Baji Rout Chhatrabas of Nabakrushna Choudhury and Malati Devi Choudhury.

A team led by the director of the Odia Language, literature and Culture Department will soon visit the Angul and take stock of the situation.