Two days ago, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik expelled Damodar Rout who claimed to a be close associate of Biju Patnaik on whose name the party was established. Soon after that Rout said that the sooner Naveen leaves Odisha, the better would it be for the state. Being a close associate of Biju babu, how do you react to it? 

Don’t drag me into this controversy. There must be some difference of opinion between the two. Dama babu must have said all these things out of anger. But why should Naveen leave Odisha? He is the son of Biju babu and he belongs to Odisha as much as you and me. I have known Naveen since his childhood. He was shy and introvert. He is doing good in politics and people have accepted him. As I am not in politics, I should not comment on it.

Earlier, Dama babu had floated the Biju Bichar Manch. You were also associated with it. Now after his expulsion from the party there is a talk that Dama Babu will revive the Manch again. Will you join him? 

Whenever any one does a good work and Biju babu’s name is associated, I usually go. Even at this age of 97, I had gone to attend a meeting at Balianta nearly 30kms from here. But this time, I will not be associated with Dama babu. Age will not permit me to attend these meetings where political ambitions are involved.

Many people talk about the Biju legacy and about Biju babu’s dreams. What were his dreams?

It’s better you ask those who talk about the Biju legacy. What I find is that people who don’t know about Biju babu and have not even seen him are talking more about his dreams. Biju babu wanted everyone to be a good human being and he wanted every Odia to excel and earn big name for him or her in the chosen field. He wanted Odisha to prosper in every sphere.

Being a close associate of Biju babu, how do you recall your association with him?  

The late Nabakrushhna Choudhury, former chief minister of Odisha,  had introduced me to Biju babu when I was lodged in jail following an attempt to hoist the National Flag atop the Nimapara police station. While in jail, my relationship with him blossomed as both of us were good volleyball players. The bond that started from the jail playground became stronger and encompassed both political and social spheres. Biju babu was released from jail and was kept under house arrest at his residence Anand Bhavan in Cuttack. After I was released from jail, I went straight to his house for a discussion with him. My whole life actually revolved around Biju Patnaik. He had even contributed one-third of the funds required for the construction of my house where I am currently staying. Biju babu’s engineer John, who was working at the Kalinga Tubes, had prepared the design of my house. But what pains me the most is that those who don’t even know him are talking more about Biju babu, his ideology and his dream.

What were the differences between you and him?

Even before Biju babu came to power, we had toured Odisha together on several occasions, which made our bond stronger. Thereafter, the Congress won the elections for the first time in 1961 with absolute majority. My relationship with him ran into problems when he decided to withdraw support from the Morarji Desai government in 1979 and support Charan Singh. However, that did not make any major impact on our personal relationship. When he became the chief minister in 1961, I would watch him work from a close distance. He used to flare up very easily. I would try to calm him whenever he used to get annoyed with anyone. He was above petty issues. I was his close lieutenant. His wife Gyan Devi considered me as her younger brother. I value my relationship with their family.

There is a demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on him...  

Biju babu is a legend. No one can be compared with him. I have closely seen his ups and downs in life. He had worked closely with all the stalwarts of Indian politics right from Jawaharlal Nehru. He was a man of virtues. Everyone loved and adored him. But unfortunately, he became a victim of political conspiracy and the Bharat Ratna award has not been conferred on him so far.

You have worked with many leaders and know almost all the chief ministers - including Biju babu, Harekrushna Mahtab, Nandini Satpathy and J.B. Patnaik personally. Whose contribution you value the most?

A hand has five fingers.  You can not underestimate the importance of one finger by stating that the little finger is more important than the thumb or the vice-versa. All of them have contributed to the growth and modernisation of Odisha as per their best.

How did you feel when you were conferred the Padma Shri this year?

For me, the tag of a freedom fighter is much more important than anything else. Padma Shri is a of course a great honour. You will naturally be happy when people recognise you and your work.

At 97, how are you so physically fit and mentally agile?

The party will decide it at the appropriate time. Why are you discussing the issue now? There are many senior leaders in the party.