Bikash
Choudhury
The last thing first: What will be
the net result of the maiden and solo Political initiative of former BJD
strategist-The Odisha Jana Morcha? This question is in the top of the mind of
Journalist working in Odisha, Politicians in the State, Political analyst and
even at the tea stall & Cigarette smoking hang outs especially in the city
of Bhubaneswar . And, invariably the
follow up question remains; if Pyari Babu would become a potential threat to
the Naveen’s uninterrupted & unchallenged legacy and astute Leadership? Or,
once again Pyari Babu would become another opponent inside the party biting the
dust; in face off with Naveen Patnaik’s infamous charisma and adoration of
people of Odisha?
Naveen Patnaik has everything going for him, as electorate
simply love him; even though he is not very fluent in Odia language; and, for
holding on to his beloved father’s legacy and his people centric policies in
Govt. and his impeccable administration and sense of timing in the decision
making. Pyari Babu on the other hand has been the organization’s man and he
knows the nuts and bolts of Biju Janata Dal as that responsibility was
delegated to him for over a decade by Naveen himself; without any question
asked. And, that was apparently an opportunity for the shrewd administrator
that he is to get closer to leaders and workers of the party and he does have a
lot of silent admirers in the party and outside for his personality and that
swagger. But, will that be enough to be an alternative to a mass leader and one
of the most popular Chief Minister in the country? The answer would be in the
negative as, many recent surveys have given 90 % endorsement for Naveen though
at that time Pyari Babu’s future plan was not known. Interestingly, Pyari Babu
knows the workers and people admire and follow Naveen blindly. Workers can only
mobilize people to come to vote; but, who to vote is beyond them; as you can
only bring a horse to water; but, can’t compel to drink. However, on the other
side political workers can be recruited fresh and even cultivated in the party;
but, is it possible to create an aura around Pyari Babu within a short time of
18 months; knowing fully well how difficult it is to change the orthodox ways
Indian votes. Pyari Babu knows it all as a strategist par excellence; but,
apparently he is not prepared to quit without a fight being a very aggressive
person that he is. Is it “josh men hosh khona”? No clear answer to that.
However, Naveen Babu was well prepared for a showdown much before the coup
the grace of 29th May 2012 was very distinct in his speech of 4th
January 2012 while speaking in 60 yrs of Kalinga Foundation Award at KIIT
auditorium “I am the youngest son of Biju Babu” and while shuffling his papers
on the dais while speaking, he said “have patience, let me get my act
together”; that was in itself a very powerful statement to make, knowing his
reticence and choice of words. That was followed up by Athagara by election
where known Pyari baiter Raja Swain got elected to state assembly. However,
Pyari Babu has a formidable reputation as an able organizer and therefore Biju
Janata Dal and its leaders can’t take him lightly; more so, as Pyari Babu has a
perfect strategy in mind; first to create dissention within the rank and file
of BJD through mobilization of “Odisha Jana Morcha” and second to create
confusion among the voters with a brand new party, again named after Biju
Babu-BSD (Biju Swabhiman Dal) to swing the electorate away from BJD to cut its
vote share. But, million dollar question is, will it work? Here, we need to
look at another side to the puzzle. Crafty Pyari Babu must have a line open
with very frustrated OPCC leader and his mentor cooling his heels in Gauwahati
for an opportune time to strike. But, when the entire Congress party and its
UPA Govt. under fire from all quarter in the country; how much of help they
could be to Pyari Babu’s scheme of things could now be any body’s guess. BJP
also in disarray in the state, having cancelled the organizational elections
and mostly would remain a fringe player in the state. However, the recent
groupings of 11 smaller parties may be successful to open their account along
side the outfits of Pyari Babu. Therefore, from all available indication BJD
would capture 75-95 seats; Congress would still remain number 2 with 15-20
seats, BJP with 10-15 seats and rest would be split between independents and
fringe players including the outfits promoted by Pyari Babu. At the end, some
one should say little loudly “why bet once shirt, where, there is a very good
probability of loosing the Inside?
Becoming a published author at the shores of God’s own
country could be more lucrative than chasing the volatile electorate.
Twitter: @ideasofhope Blog: www.ideasofhopebikash.blogspot.com
E-mail:streben.market@gmail.com
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