Name the politician who said on Jan. 24,1996 that army should take over Indian Adminis- tration for sometime :

Biju Patnaik
Bal Thakre
Shahabuddin
J.B. Patnaik

The correct answer is (a) Biju Patnaik.

Biju Patnaik was the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1990 to 1995. He was also the founder of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party. On January 24, 1996, Patnaik said that the army should take over the Indian administration for some time. He said that this was necessary to deal with the growing law and order problem in the country.

Bal Thakre was the President of the Shiv Sena party from 1989 to 2004. He was also the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999. Shahabuddin was a politician from Bihar. He was a member of the Janata Dal (United) party. J.B. Patnaik was the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1977 to 1990. He was also the President of the Indian National Congress party from 1992 to 1996.

Biju Patnaik’s statement was controversial. Some people supported his view, while others opposed it. Those who supported his view said that the army was the only institution that could restore law and order in the country. Those who opposed his view said that the army should not be involved in politics.

The Indian government did not take any action on Biju Patnaik’s statement. The army continued to be under the control of the civilian government.