Eyewash

As the controversy over Kendrapara MLA Kishore Tarai allegedly manipulating the election of his wife Babita as a panchayat samiti member from Penthapal gram panchayat gets murkier, the latter has hardly spoken a word on the issue. Be it explaining her “unopposed” election or declaring that she would resign on “moral grounds”, it is the BJD legislator who has been doing all the talking. This has set tongues wagging with questions being asked about Naveen Patnaik government’s much-vaunted slogan of women empowerment. “From the way her husband has been handling the issue, it is clear that Babita is a puppet in his hands. Even if she becomes a panchayat samiti member, it is he who will be running the show.!” remarked a BJD leader.

Popular leader

When Sundargarh’s Congress MLA Yogesh Singh had a run-in with the Tangarpali block development officer in November last year, the entire party was embarrassed even though he managed to survive the controversy. However, the ongoing panchayat elections have proved that despite controversies, Singh remains a popular figure and the party stands to gain from his appeal among the masses. “His rough and ready methods often work and people in any case like him. We are banking on him heavily in Sundargarh,” said a Congress leader.

Son rises

Former Congress MLA Habibullah Khan, a veteran of many battles and the party's minority face for a long time, had become thoroughly disillusioned with the party towards the end of his political career.  That his family has made a clean break from its political past became evident last week when his son Tarik Hussein Khan joined the BJD with scores of his supporters from the Nabarangpur district. Sources in the BJD said though Tarik lacked his father’s charisma, his induction into the party would send the “right message” to the voters. “It indicates our party’s popularity is growing while both Congress and BJP are on the decline in the district,” said a BJD leader.

Good going

Congress may be struggling to retrieve the lost ground but it seems to have planned its rural poll campaign well.Choreographed by its state president Prasad Harichandan, the party's campaign revolves around the salient features of its manifesto that highlights its promises to the rural voters while attacking the state government for its failures.  

FOOTNOTE

Trustworthy Oram

Union ministers campaigning for panchayat elections are a rare sight. No wonder people in Sundargarh are flocking to watch Union tribal affairs minister and BJP veteran Jual Oram canvas for party candidates. The down-to-earth veteran, who represents the district in the Lok Sabha, mingles with people with consummate ease. “He listens to their grievances patiently and assures to do his best. What is important is that people trust him,” said a BJP leader.