Isn’t it true that you had accorded conditional clearance to Posco because there was no such pressure and the project apparently has the support of the Prime Minister?

No. Posco started much before I took over MoEF. I inherited the Posco decisions. It had been given environmental clearance three years ago.

What about Posco’s captive port?

I can’t start reopening issues now – why we need a port or a steel plant. The MoU between Posco and the state has expired and hasn’t been renewed. And the latter is now blaming me. Iron ore sources are not known. Without knowing the sources, we have given clearance. Why can’t the state resolve these issues?

What about allegations that you outright refused permission for bauxite mining in Niyamgiri because of pressure from Rahul Gandhi who had addressed a meeting at Lanjigarh?

The Niyamgiri issue is different from Posco as it involves tribal livelihood. Rahul Gandhi was very much concerned about the issue of tribal welfare but my decision had nothing to do with him.

You have nixed the expansion of Vedanta Alumina refinery at Lanjigarh. The company is reported to have approached you to reconsider your stand. Do you think mining in Niyamgiri and expansion of Vedanta will come about?

When Vedanta approached me, I told them: “You can’t negotiate with me and take me to court at the same time.” They took the second option.

A. Raja had given clearance to Vedanta. Do you feel you are facing problems because of decisions taken by your predecessors?

I wish the Vedanta and Posco issues had been handled better in the past. The Forest Rights Act came into force in 2006 so these issues came much later. The ministry slept over the fact that the Vedanta refinery had a clearance of one million tonne but went up to six million tonnes. Everybody knew about it but no one decided to take action. Naveen and his party have criticised you for ignoring the rights of tribals who will be affected by the Polavaram project. How would you defend yourself?

There is a “stop work” order on Polavaram. Although I represent the state of Andhra Pradesh, I have never been partial. I have issued a showcause notice to the Andhra government.

The state government has given its nod to 12 new ports in the state. Shouldn’t you warn the state about the threats involved?

One-fifth of Orissa’s coastline comes under high and medium erosion zones. There is no question of giving clearance to new ports in these zones.

What are your views on export of iron ore?

I am against it. We should export steel instead.

Why do you have an image of being anti-Orissa?

Due to Posco and Vedanta lobbies in the state government. In all other projects, I have gone out of my way to help Orissa. I start my day with Raghunath Panigrahi’s Geet Govinda. I probably know more Oriya culture than Naveen babu and have visited the state more than he did before becoming CM.

So is it a political campaign against you?

Absolutely. It is linked with the Vedanta and Posco projects. Perhaps, the Jindal issue too, since we have taken action against them.

Are the environment laws too Draconian and need review?

The laws are perfect but have been implemented in a lethargic manner. Unfortunately as a country, we delight in passing laws and take greater delight in bypassing laws.

Don’t you think you are quite unpopular among your ministerial colleagues and some chief ministers?

Very unpopular. But I am doing my job, which is upholding laws. I don’t have any private or political agenda. If that makes me unpopular, so be it.

Do you think Naveen’s anti-Centre campaign is just a ruse to hide his failures and to boost his image as a regional party leader?

I think he exaggerates issues. Under the UPA government, the state has received unprecedented amount of resources. I think he is just covering up for his government’s failures.

Why is BJD targeting you?

I suppose they need some target. But some BJD MPs support what I am doing on Posco and Vedanta issues. Naveen babu should look into his own house first.

You are a Delhi-ite and Naveen Patnaik was also in Delhi. When did you first meet him?

In the mid 80s through some common friends. Before Naveen babu became CM, he was a great social animal, unlike me. There is a famous photograph of us having dinner at a mutual friend’s house which was published in newspapers 20 years ago and shows Naveen babu and I are probably friends.

Do you think your relation with him has gone sour?

Absolutely not. Whenever we meet, we are civil to each other.

There is a perception that you have an ego clash with him. How would you respond to this?

There’s no ego clash. I have no business dealings with him.

Some Union ministers are known to have some dealings with him.

How would you define your personal equation with him?

Excellent. But when it comes to politics, Naveen babu is my opponent.