Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday distributed Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, health smart cards, to beneficiaries in Kalahandi district amid protests by the Opposition. The BJP and Congress workers tried to show blackflags to Naveen both in Bhubaneswar and Kalahandi. Several protesters were detained by the police.

Opposition leaders were particularly peeved as minister of state for home Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra, who is facing criticism for his alleged closeness with the prime accused in the 24-year-old school teacher Mamita Meher murder case, shared the dias with Naveen at the function.

With this the chief minister sent out a clear message that Mishra still enjoys his support. Besides distributing BSKY smart health cards to the beneficiaries, the chief minister dedicated key developmental projects worth nearly Rs 900 crore to the people.

Captain Mishra had been dropped out of Naveen’s Mayurbhanj tour last month when the allegation against him surfaced. Following the incident, the Opposition sharpened their attack on Captain Mishra.

Since then, the ruling BJD has mounted a damage control exercise.

Ahead of Naveen’s visit, the minister made a public appearance and clarified that he had no role in the murder of Meher murder case and also demanded punishment for the accused. However, it did not pacify the Opposition who were demanding his resignation.

Captain Mishra’s sharing the dias with Naveen is now being viewed as government faith in him and ruling party’s unwillingness to accede to the Opposition’s demand for his resignation.