CUTTACK: There is an old maxim, “A week is a long time in politics,” which signifies the uncertain and dynamic character of the field. However, at least on the face of it, the political firmament of Odisha seems frozen in time ever since Biju Janata Dal’s Naveen Patnaik became the chief minister of the state in 2000. The unassuming Patnaik has been at the helm for 22 long years on the trot and his sway over the masses seems endlessly enduring.
While there have been chief ministers in other states who have stayed in power for long durations – Nitish Kumar in Bihar is one such example – but they have faced periods of turbulence and severe troughs. But Naveen’s journey as a CM has been rather steady sans any competitors and challengers. His popularity among the masses has remained astonishingly undiminished for all these years, especially in assembly elections. Clearly, he is still the last word in Odisha politics.
Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) created ripples in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by bagging 8 parliamentary seats, out of 21, in Odisha. But in the assembly polls, which were held simultaneously, the saffron outfit could manage only 23 seats out of 147. The populace of the state had made a thumping statement that while Modi is acceptable to them at the Centre, Naveen babu is still their undisputed leader in Odisha.
Since then, BJD has supported PM Modi and the BJP on many issues in the parliament and lent a helping hand in passing a number of statutes in the Rajya Sabha. Modi returned the favour by praising Patnaik and the BJD on the floor of the parliament. There is a palpable bonhomie, even if rooted in mutual benefits, between the two leaders.
The sentiment comes through rather strongly when one talks to the people of the state.
“Naveen babu will remain the CM of the state till he is alive. No one else has even a smidgen of a chance to occupy the high chair till he is around. There is no leader who can come even close to his clout and popularity. People simply adore him here and can’t think beyond him,” says Uttampati who runs an auto in Cuttack.
“There are still some issues in the state but overall we are very happy with what he has done for the state,” he added.
“If anyone says even a single negative thing about him, people get upset. Even his father (late Biju Patnaik) lost elections a few times but Naveen has never been on the losing side. You can ask his political opponents in private about him. Even they can’t deny his achievements,” he firmly states.
When asked about his views on PM and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi, Uttampati asserts, “I like PM Modi but I can never vote for the BJP in state polls. As a PM, he is doing fine and I want him to continue for a few more years. Rahul Gandhi has done nothing for the country. I don’t think much of him and will never want Congress at the Centre. This party had deceived even Biju babu.”
Abhijit Mishra, a resident of Bhubaneshwar who is in the Merchant Navy, claims there is a lot of corruption in Odisha but acquits Patnaik.
“At a ground level, corruption is rampant, especially in the mining sector. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. I think this holds true for all the states. But I can’t deny that Naveen has heralded some excellent social schemes which have at least ensured basic sustenance for impoverished folks. They are the biggest beneficiaries of his tenure and swear by him,” he proclaims.
“See, I voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls because of Modi. But I can’t imagine anyone else other than Naveen in Odisha. He has many failings but is still much better than others. There has been a lot of talk about his failing health but he’s still around. Naveen will remain the CM till he wants,” Mishra says.
When asked about who will be Naveen’s successor in politics, he smiles wryly. “Do you know who will be the PM of India after Modi? Can you say with utmost certainty that BJP will choose Amit Shah after him? I am sure you have heard various names in the media but I think something else is going on behind the scenes,” he concluded.