Three-time Biju Janata Dal MLA, 52-year-old Debasis Nayak has come back in the limelight with chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik revoking his suspension order on Monday. Naveen had suspended Nayak from the party on May 29, 2011, for his public outburst against the way the party was functioning. Soon after his suspension order was withdrawn, Nayak spoke to Subhashish Mohanty of The Telegraph.
Naveen Patnaik had suspended you from the party on disciplinary grounds 11 months ago. How do you feel now that your suspension has been revoked?
I was shocked when I got the news of my suspension from the party. Now, I am happy. People of my constituency are also happy at the development.
Was it a political compulsion for the party president to withdraw the suspension just ahead of the presidential election?
I can’t comment on that. Boss is always right. However, in politics, decisions are always taken on the basis of political necessity.
Who informed you that the suspension order had been revoked?
It was Naveenji who called me yesterday (Monday) and informed about his decision. This morning, I met him to express my gratitude.
There is a public perception that you were suspended from the party with Naveen Patnaik coming under pressure from the then so-called second power centre (Pyari Mohan Mohapatra) to act against you. What’s your opinion?
It is now an open secret. I had raised the issue that in the party, no one except Naveenji is the leader. I had to pay the price. However, my stand has been vindicated and truth has prevailed.
An attempt had been made to finish your political career by the Mohapatra camp by trying to promote your opponents within the BJD, especially in your own Assembly constituency — Bari. What you say about it?
Yes. However, the people are with me. They are the real masters who decide the fate of the leaders. They (members of the Mohapatra camp) were totally exposed after they attempted a coup against Naveenji. Unfortunate things happened. Please don’t drag me into that controversy anymore.
You had to resign from the ministry after your name was dragged into a controversy when a lady marshal of the Assembly brought charges of sexual harassment against former Speaker Maheswar Mohanty?
In politics, one has to face crisis. Politics is politics and you have to survive in that. When you are in public life, you are subjected to criticism. One should take such things in his stride.
Don’t you think that the BJD is going to face a tough time in the coming days? Things may become difficult especially after the chief minister expands his ministry.
Now, the party stands united. The party will certainly come to power after the next general election. As long as Naveenji is alive, the party will remain in power. No conspiracy against him will work. There is no groupism in the party.
You have been with Naveen Patnaik for the last 15 years. Any difference you have noticed in his personality?
Yes, a visible change has been noticed in his personality. He has matured as a politician. He is going to play a major role in national politics.
How did you come into contact with Naveen Patnaik?
Our relationship with the Biju parivar is now running into second generation. My father was close to Biju babu. After his demise, I came into contact with Naveenji and worked as his officer on special duty. I enjoy a cordial relationship with Naveenji and all the members of the Biju parivar.
