Naveen war on ‘PC’

"PC”, the short for percentage and a euphemistic way of referring to  underhand money business in government works, has been the buzzword in the state’s administrative and political circles ever since chief minister Naveen Patnaik declared a war against it over a month ago. But the Opposition seems hell bent on poking holes into his claims about having taken steps to curb the “PC” business. The latest to hit out against Naveen has been the BJP, citing the collapse of a portion of the under-construction Gurupriya bridge in Malkangiri district as an example of rampant corruption in issuing government contracts. “Had there not been corruption in the execution of the project, it would not have collapsed,” remarked a BJP leader.

Oram website

Union minister Jual Oram has got his official website designed smartly to make the maximum impact on visitors. Complete with his profile that offer a peak into his rise from humble beginnings, the site offers a fair idea of his official activities and also what he is doing for his home state. His constituency, Sundargarh, is often the focus of attention with events such as tiranga yatra (Tricolour march) being highlighted. The site is compact and evokes the image of a leader with diverse concerns. “He seems to have paid personal attention to the designing of the site,” quipped a supporter.

MLAs’ ire

Former Union minister and Dalit leader Bhakta Charan Das finds himself at the centre of the controversy surrounding Congress dissidents’ campaign for the ouster of Pradesh Congress Committee chief Prasad Harichandan. Sources said a section of MLAs was upset at Das’s name being bandied about as a replacement for Harichandan. These legislators who make no bones about their dislike for both Harichandan and Das, are openly rooting for former minister Niranjan Patnaik who, they argue, is the most capable man to lead the party at this critical juncture. Das, though, seems to have become the object of their ire for no faulty of his.

Panda setback

Embarrassment has been acute for state BJP chief Basant Panda with the party suffering a humiliating defeat to the BJD in the elections to the Komna Zone II zila parishad seat in Nuapada, his home district. The BJP, thus, remains without representation in the Nuapada zila parishad council. While the results have demoralised party cadres, it has given dissidents an opportunity to target Panda, whose leadership is being questioned for the first time. Panda’s supporters, however, have rallied around him and described the debacle as a temporary setback. “Why forget that it was under his leadership that the party did extremely well in the panchayat elections in several areas of the state,” argued a supporter.

Tech dilemma

Not being tech savvy has emerged as a problem for police officers. With most officers heading police stations yet to learn the use of social media, they remain ignorant of developments on the law and order front that VIPs quickly put on social media. “It is embarrassing as VIPs on social media take note of private complaints. Since we can’t do that like them, we are often left red-faced,” said a police officer.