Bhubaneswar/Jajpur, Oct. 7: BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik sprang a surprise on Wednesday by accompanying Debasis Nayak during his visit to flood-affected areas of Bari in Jajpur district.

On May 29, Naveen had suspended the three-time MLA from Bari from the BJD following his public anti-party outburst against its functioning. Nayak was critical of the existence of a “second power-centre” in the party.

While Naveen re-established the severed link with Nayak, he is yet to establish contact with another senior rebel MLA and former minister Damodar Rout. Apparently sidelined by the party leaders, Rout is set to float a non-political outfit Biju Vichar Manch on October 11. However, it has not yet been decided whether Naveen will attend the inaugural function of the outfit.

“I do have utmost respect for the chief minister. I know the people who are hatching a conspiracy against me. I want to work for the people. Naveen has acknowledged my work,” said Nayak. Around 10.30am on Wednesday, Naveen alighted from a chopper at the Bidhan Chandra Academy ground in Baliapal. The suspended MLA was there to receive him. The body language of both showed that they were comfortable with each other.

Before leaving for Bainisira village, the chief minister asked Nayak to accompany him in his car. Even the chief minister’s office on Tuesday had frantically tried to locate Nayak before Naveen’s visit to the flood-hit area in Bari.

Surprising everyone, Nayak boarded Naveen’s car and drove with him to the flood-hit zone. Insiders said they exchanged pleasantries. He even came to see his former boss off at the helipad.

“We thought that the chief minister would certainly keep Nayak at bay during his visit to the flood-hit areas in Bari. When we saw Nayak accompanying Naveen, it sent a message that the suspension is an eyewash,” said Gagan Jena, former BJD chairman of Bari block.

During his visit, Naveen appreciated Nayak’s work and told him, “Aap bahut mehnat kiya.” (You have worked hard).

On being contacted, rebel leader Damodar Rout said: “I have sought an appointment to meet chief minister Naveen Patnaik. If I get the appointment, I will go personally and invite him to inaugurate the Manch.” However, he declined to comment on the Naveen-Debasis chemistry.