ONI Bureau: Whether it’s former Dhenkanal MLA Nabin Nanda or former Rajya Sabha MP Baishnab Parida, both were critical of CM’s Private Secretary K Pandian on various issues and wanted the party function politically without bureaucratic intervention. They were also unhappy the way they were targeted by other leaders in the party. The same sentiment was echoed by Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, who is now facing stiff resistance in his constituency, not from public, but from his own party colleagues.
The CM summoned Nabin Nanda and Baishnab Parida yesterday for talks. After meeting the CM, Parida softened his stand and praised the BJD supremo while making his displeasure about Pandian public. Nabin Nanda was also content with the talks, but made it clear that he would contest as an Independent if the party does not give him a ticket.
Even, Baijayant Panda welcomed the move, saying he is happy that the party President had called the above leaders who had raised the same concerns he had and hoped that it would help the party.
But, now the news is coming that CM met both Nabin Nanda and Baishnab Parida in the presence of Pandian and another powerful youth leader Pranab Prakash Das. That baffled the political pundits. If the CM was serious about listening to the grievances of disgruntled leaders, why did not he hold private talks? It’s quite obvious that neither Nabin Nanda nor Baishnab Parida were in a position say anything against the ‘bureaucratic intervention’ in party’s affairs in the presence of the same officer who was in the centre of controversy these days.
Call it hypocrisy or CM’s compulsion, but it clearly proves that the officer has strong grip and control over the party and may continue to do so for long. While the Supremo could invite former MLA and MP for talks, why did he choose to ignore a sitting MP, who was facing difficulties even to inaugurate MPLAD projects in his constituency?
The entire exercise was probably aimed at proving a point that Naveen Patnaik listens to unhappy leaders and takes care of their grievances. But, the way the meeting was conducted, it is bound to raise suspicion. And, if the intention was clear, why was Jay Panda not called for talks? Is there any attempt to clip the wings of the BJD MP and make him isolated within the party?
Interestingly, soon after the yesterday’s meeting, a couple of TV channels did their best to spread the message that Nabin Nanda and Baishnab Parida made u-turns and extended unconditional support to CM and his Private Secretary. People were made to believe that ‘all is well’ in the party. But is it true? Is BJD moving in the right direction? People are the best Judges, as they vote for Politicians, not Bureaucrats!