With an eye clearly on a consecutive fourth term, the Orissa CM has altered his style of functioning even as he grooms new faces within the party, reports Dhrutikam Mohanty
In his third term as Orissa Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik appears to be a changed man. Gone is the politician who once kept his own partymen at arm’s length and sported a cold cloak of aloofness. He is now consciously seeking to evolve into a popular leader – accessible and friendly. Not long ago, when somebody sought an appointment with him on a Sunday, he said: “I am enjoying a holiday and you should too.” Today, he thinks nothing of convening official meetings on Sundays. During his previous terms in office, Patnaik’s durbar at his residence, Naveen Niwas, would be held only on weekdays. It would begin at 9 am and end within an hour and a half. Nobody dared disturb him on Sundays. Now, both on weekends and weekdays, the meetings at his residence stretch until 1.30 pm. According to Naveen Niwas insiders, the usually picky and reserved Chief Minister would rarely invite lawmakers to his residence for one-on-one meetings. That is common practice now. Only a few handpicked ministers had access to his house during his earlier terms. Patnaik’s third term has turned Naveen Niwas into an open house. Ministers and legislators troop in at all hours and the CM not only finds time for all, he also has breakfast and lunch with them. Naveen goes out of his way to establish a personal rapport with the people he meets. Subrat Tarai, a first-time MLA, recently had a first-hand encounter with the new Naveen Patnaik. He called on the CM in his official chamber with a request – Tarai wanted to be recommended for membership of the governing body of a University from which he had completed his post-graduation. Patnaik was warmth personified – he invited the young legislator to his residence. Even though the state Assembly was in session, Patnaik spent half an hour with Tarai. When the latter got up to leave, the CM gifted him a group photograph of BJD MLAs that was clicked at Naveen Niwas. “My perception about Naveen babu changed totally,” says Tarai. “I had heard that he is arrogant. I found a man who was full of warmth. As the leader of the party, Naveen babu likes to strike a personal rapport with his colleagues.” Patnaik’s new style has taken many of his close associates by surprise. The CM recently hosted a breakfast bash at home – all the 102 MLAs of the Biju Janata Dal were invited. The party began with a group photo session. A variety of South Indian dishes was served. The BJD supremo personally supervised the breakfast and was seen moving around and interacting with the MLAs.
When he reached Pradeep Maharathy, the maverick lawmaker from Pipili who had triggered a controversy by refusing the CM’s offer to be the chief whip of the BJD legislative party, he took a part of the dosa on the MLA’s plate and gulped it with some chutney. Sources said Maharathy was left speechless. Patnaik had never been seen before in public sharing food from somebody else’s plate. “Naveen babu is a very communicative and affectionate man. Whenever his busy schedule allows, he loves to interact with partymen. Almost at every encounter, he asks me whether I am writing or not,” says journalist-turned-politician Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak. “If I answer in the negative, he reacts by saying that when a CM Minister has time to write, why shouldn’t someone like me?”Nayak is among the seven new faces of Naveen Patnaik’s cabinet. He has assumed the responsibilities of state minister for energy with independent charge. Ramesh Majhi, a 31-year-old tribal lawmaker from Nawrangpur, has been given the science and technology portfolio. Prof. S.N. Mishra, leading analyst of state politics, observes, “New faces constitute half of this cabinet and most of them hold crucial portfolios with independent charge. As Naveen is a mature politician, his ministry has definite political significance. I think this is Naveen’s dream team for the fourth term.” Is Patnaik really working on a blueprint to become the state’s CM for a consecutive fourth term? It seems he is focusing upon those areas which were previously known as his weakness. He was often blamed for his excessive dependence on the bureaucracy. But from the beginning of this term, the CM is operating in a style that does nor revolve around briefings from top officials. Last week, he attended the funeral of a cop killed by Maoists. He openly questioned a senior Orissa police officer about the delay in releasing ex-gratia to the next of kin of the police personnel. The CM Minister was seen losing his cool and his outburst created panic among the top officials, revealed an officer. Similarly, he recently nixed a proposal from bureaucrats to reduce working days in state government offices from six to five days.The popular assumption is that, Patnaik was never a sociable leader. Why has he suddenly taken to winning friends and influencing people? When asked about this changing behavioural pattern of the CM, senior political analyst Basant Das comments, “In the last two terms, Naveen Patnaik was ruthless and savage in establishing his leadership in the party. He behaved like a dictator and became unpredictable when anybody challenged him. But this time the story is different." Das adds: "Patnaik has dealt with rebels within the party with aplomb. Even the manner in which he is handling the new and inexperienced MLAs is noteworthy. If we consider this as a long-term strategy instead of just a means of personal rejuvenation, then certainly this points to an attempt on his part to consolidate his leadership in the party and retain power in the next term.”
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Konark’s sun sets
The ASI has failed to do its restoration job? Reports Dhrutikam Mohanty
The Konark Sun Temple, a world heritage site, is in a sad state. Not a day goes by without some new crack surfacing in the temple, whose conservation is the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Says Dibakar Nayak, a local resident: “It is the ASI’s slipshod work that is to blame. Many stones of the temple have come loose, and keep falling off.” Of the main structure all that remains of the 13th century monument today is the dilapidated Mukhashala, and the little that the ASI has been able to conserve hardly conveys its former majesty. Historians say 1,200 masons took 12 years to build this wonder during the Ganga dynasty’s reign in Orissa. Ferguson even rated it as one of the finest specimens of Indian architecture. However, though long years of neglect have extensively damaged its statues, pillars and carvings, and limbless deities, it still attracts millions of visitors from the world over. The ASI had taken over the task of its restoration and conservation as early as 1957, and this is all it has got to show! Alleges local journalist Rabindra Bahinipati: “Unskilled labourers were engaged to drill and place iron clamps around the loose portions.” To all these reports the ASI’s response has throughout been one of denial. Indeed, its officials go so far as to claim that the monument is in ‘perfect state’, and all the reports that say it isn’t are false. And insisting that not a single stone has so far fallen off the structure, they point to the pieces of glass they have fixed in different places to determine the nature of the cracks.” All this is hotly denied by the Konark Surakshya Samiti, which claims that two boulders recently broke loose – one in the northwestern and the other in the northeastern corner of the temple entrance. Samiti activists say that while these were hastily removed, there are many others still lying around that give the tale away. Meanwhile, the Orissa government has set up a joint committee comprising representatives of the ASI, district administration and the state culture department, and asked it to report on the temple’s status within a week.
The Konark Sun Temple, a world heritage site, is in a sad state. Not a day goes by without some new crack surfacing in the temple, whose conservation is the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Says Dibakar Nayak, a local resident: “It is the ASI’s slipshod work that is to blame. Many stones of the temple have come loose, and keep falling off.” Of the main structure all that remains of the 13th century monument today is the dilapidated Mukhashala, and the little that the ASI has been able to conserve hardly conveys its former majesty. Historians say 1,200 masons took 12 years to build this wonder during the Ganga dynasty’s reign in Orissa. Ferguson even rated it as one of the finest specimens of Indian architecture. However, though long years of neglect have extensively damaged its statues, pillars and carvings, and limbless deities, it still attracts millions of visitors from the world over. The ASI had taken over the task of its restoration and conservation as early as 1957, and this is all it has got to show! Alleges local journalist Rabindra Bahinipati: “Unskilled labourers were engaged to drill and place iron clamps around the loose portions.” To all these reports the ASI’s response has throughout been one of denial. Indeed, its officials go so far as to claim that the monument is in ‘perfect state’, and all the reports that say it isn’t are false. And insisting that not a single stone has so far fallen off the structure, they point to the pieces of glass they have fixed in different places to determine the nature of the cracks.” All this is hotly denied by the Konark Surakshya Samiti, which claims that two boulders recently broke loose – one in the northwestern and the other in the northeastern corner of the temple entrance. Samiti activists say that while these were hastily removed, there are many others still lying around that give the tale away. Meanwhile, the Orissa government has set up a joint committee comprising representatives of the ASI, district administration and the state culture department, and asked it to report on the temple’s status within a week.
Cong gets some nice feedback
Orissa Election Assesment by Dhrutikam Mohanty
Union Minister for Rural Development, Chandrasekhar Sahoo, is re-contesting from Berhampur, the biggest constituency in southern Orissa. Being close to Andhra Pradesh, Berhampur is deeply influenced by South Indian culture – a fact that is evident from the residents’ passion for cinema. This is perhaps why the BJD gave its ticket to Oriya film star Siddhant Mahapatra. Bharat Paik is the BJP candidate. Due to the curbs placed by the Election Commission on wall posters, most political parties – at least in the townships – have opted for billboard displays. In Gadapur village, close to the Andhra Pradesh border, one got a distinctively pro-Congress feel. Sahoo says there is deep disenchantment with Navin Patnaik’s government.In nearby Sumando village the people’s mood this time seems to favour Chandrasekhar and the Congress, more so because the BJD-BJP vote bank is divided. Kendrapara is considered a strategic constituency. The battle in this coastal region is between BJD’s Baijayant Panda and Ranjib Biswal of the Congress. Baijayant is a Rajya Sabha member, and former cricketer Ranjib heads the Orissa Cricket Association. What makes this contest different from the others is the fact that the Congress has never won from Kendrapara in the past 50 years. In Balasore, BJP’s Kharabela Swain, who has won three successive elections from here, is trying his luck for the fourth time. And senior Congress leader Srikant Jena and BJD-supported NCP candidate Arun Dey are looking to break his winning streak. Out of the 21 seats in the state, BJD may get eight, Congress seven, BJP four and CPI 1 and JMM one. Clearly, the BJD-BJP's fallout will benefit a comatose Congress party, for the first time in many years.
Union Minister for Rural Development, Chandrasekhar Sahoo, is re-contesting from Berhampur, the biggest constituency in southern Orissa. Being close to Andhra Pradesh, Berhampur is deeply influenced by South Indian culture – a fact that is evident from the residents’ passion for cinema. This is perhaps why the BJD gave its ticket to Oriya film star Siddhant Mahapatra. Bharat Paik is the BJP candidate. Due to the curbs placed by the Election Commission on wall posters, most political parties – at least in the townships – have opted for billboard displays. In Gadapur village, close to the Andhra Pradesh border, one got a distinctively pro-Congress feel. Sahoo says there is deep disenchantment with Navin Patnaik’s government.In nearby Sumando village the people’s mood this time seems to favour Chandrasekhar and the Congress, more so because the BJD-BJP vote bank is divided. Kendrapara is considered a strategic constituency. The battle in this coastal region is between BJD’s Baijayant Panda and Ranjib Biswal of the Congress. Baijayant is a Rajya Sabha member, and former cricketer Ranjib heads the Orissa Cricket Association. What makes this contest different from the others is the fact that the Congress has never won from Kendrapara in the past 50 years. In Balasore, BJP’s Kharabela Swain, who has won three successive elections from here, is trying his luck for the fourth time. And senior Congress leader Srikant Jena and BJD-supported NCP candidate Arun Dey are looking to break his winning streak. Out of the 21 seats in the state, BJD may get eight, Congress seven, BJP four and CPI 1 and JMM one. Clearly, the BJD-BJP's fallout will benefit a comatose Congress party, for the first time in many years.
Price of estrangement
BJD is feeling the saffron pinch even after BJP's gone,feels Dhrutikam Mohanty.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) may have finally pulled the plug on the BJP, ending an 11-year-old alliance and decided to go it alone, yet seven of the 21 Lok Sabha seats have no BJD takers. The unceremonious ouster of the BJP has not gone down well with voters on ethical grounds. This, along with changes ushered in by delimitation of constituencies is making it tough for BJD to finalise its candidates. Part of the reason is that seats held by former ally BJP also have to be contested. But many BJD candidates are reluctant to do that. They argue that for the last nine years, the party has had no organisational structure in those constituencies. And to build up a party base now, and try to win is next to impossible.Patnaik and his chief strategist, Pyarimohan Mohapatra are insisting upon ‘winning candidates’, but many existing candidates fear they might lose due to a mixture of these factors. So, while many are making the beeline for getting a ticket, the party fears that those people may not be the 'winners'.The most crisis-ridden constituency is Sambalpur. Sitting BJD MP, Prasanna Acharya, has requested not to be renominated. He feels delimitation has spoilt his chances, with his strongest belts gone. Similarly, Assembly Speaker Kishore Mohanty as well as former minister in the Naveen Cabinet, Nagendra Pradhan, have both declined to contest from there. In Bargarh, sitting MLA Ananda Acharya doesn't want to contest in view of the BJP’s growing influence there. The situation in Sundargarh, an erstwhile BJP stronghold, is also no different. Analysts say the situation is grim for BJD in south-western Orissa. Party stalwarts of Koraput, Kalahandi and Phulbani districts are on the back foot. As Basant Das, a senior political analyst explains: "BJD leaders have developed a fear psychosis. That’s why they are not willing to contest from seats where they have proved themselves earlier."
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) may have finally pulled the plug on the BJP, ending an 11-year-old alliance and decided to go it alone, yet seven of the 21 Lok Sabha seats have no BJD takers. The unceremonious ouster of the BJP has not gone down well with voters on ethical grounds. This, along with changes ushered in by delimitation of constituencies is making it tough for BJD to finalise its candidates. Part of the reason is that seats held by former ally BJP also have to be contested. But many BJD candidates are reluctant to do that. They argue that for the last nine years, the party has had no organisational structure in those constituencies. And to build up a party base now, and try to win is next to impossible.Patnaik and his chief strategist, Pyarimohan Mohapatra are insisting upon ‘winning candidates’, but many existing candidates fear they might lose due to a mixture of these factors. So, while many are making the beeline for getting a ticket, the party fears that those people may not be the 'winners'.The most crisis-ridden constituency is Sambalpur. Sitting BJD MP, Prasanna Acharya, has requested not to be renominated. He feels delimitation has spoilt his chances, with his strongest belts gone. Similarly, Assembly Speaker Kishore Mohanty as well as former minister in the Naveen Cabinet, Nagendra Pradhan, have both declined to contest from there. In Bargarh, sitting MLA Ananda Acharya doesn't want to contest in view of the BJP’s growing influence there. The situation in Sundargarh, an erstwhile BJP stronghold, is also no different. Analysts say the situation is grim for BJD in south-western Orissa. Party stalwarts of Koraput, Kalahandi and Phulbani districts are on the back foot. As Basant Das, a senior political analyst explains: "BJD leaders have developed a fear psychosis. That’s why they are not willing to contest from seats where they have proved themselves earlier."
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