Former Odisha DGP Prakash Mishra to join BJP soon!

ONI Bureau: Some people may disapprove the ‘?’ and ‘!’ symbols with the news articles. But, this is the beauty of NEWS when you don’t have confirmation, but rely on your sources to file a report. Well, if we believe some confidential sources, former DGP Prakash Mishra is all set to join the BJP within a few days along with Retd. IAS Officer Aparajita Sarangi.

The BJP, which has set its focus on Odisha and West Bengal as part of its ‘Mission East’ project, sees both Prakash and Aparajita as credible faces to take on ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Both officers have clean image and enjoy the reputation of being honest and able administrators in their respective arena.

Prakash Mishra was a victim of politics and had to face a lot of hassles due to vindictiveness of State Govt. Even, the Orissa High Court while quashing the “fake” vigilance probe against him, had castigated the Odisha Government, saying “it’s not uncommon that honest and upright officers are victimized by political establishments”. Not only Prakash Mishra was unceremoniously sacked as the DGP for failing to toe the government line, a vigilance case was slapped against him to block him from becoming the CBI Director. He was later appointed as the CRPF DG and retired in 2016.

The BJP, which failed to rope in former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik despite the early discussions, has set high hopes on Prakash Mishra. Arup Patnaik is now leading Naveen Government’s most ambitious ‘Biju Yuva Vahini’ project, which is marred by a series of controversies. BJP believes Prakash Mishra would be the right choice to counter Arup Patnaik and his strategy.

If we believe the sources, Prakash Mishra may be fielded either from Puri or Cuttack Lok Sabha seat in 2019 polls, in a bid to dent BJD’s invincible run in Coastal Odisha. Cuttack looks like a better option for him in the wake of reports of Modi himself contesting from Puri. Aparajita Sarangi who recently took VRS, could be fielded from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat although rumour mill talks about greater responsibility for her.

Since Aparajita Sarangi in now in Delhi, speculations are rife that she and Prakash Mishra might join the BJP this week only!