Police uncle

Policing with a humane face has been a challenge for the state government. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who holds the home portfolio, has been particularly keen on making the force more people-friendly, especially bringing it closer to children who generally fear the cops. Naveen naturally felt happy when director-general of police, R.P. Sharma recently unveiled a statue of Police Uncle, a bronze sculpture depicting a policeman assisting two kids, at the Jagatsinghpur superintendent of police headquarters as part of an initiative to make the police children-friendly. “’Police Uncle’ a good initiative by @jspurpolice & @Odisha_Police. A people-friendly attitude with warmth and empathy is essential to win people’s faith & make policing more robust and effective,” he tweeted.   

Cordial ties

Among the BJP’s central leaders, chief minister Naveen Patnaik enjoys a special bond with finance minister Arun Jaitley. Meetings between the two have always been cordial and Jaitley has hardly ever said “no” to a request by Naveen, irrespective of the love-hate relationship between his party and the BJD. In 2016, when Naveen invited him to Bhubaneswar to address the Make in Odisha conclave, the finance minister immediately gave his consent despite his crowded schedule. Naveen would like to have Jaitley again for the 2018 edition in November. On learning about Jaitley’s ailment, the chief minister wished him quick recovery.  “Wish you speedy recovery @arunjaitley ji. Prayers for your good health,” he tweeted recently. 

Popular MLA

Former minister and Athgarh MLA Ranendra Pratap aka Raja Swain is extremely popular in his constituency because he makes it a point to be among his constituents in their good times and bad. Recently, when a veteran journalist from the area passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, the legislator rushed to the hospital and made arrangements for the body to be taken to Athgarh. The gesture earned him many plaudits. He had also won applause when he celebrated the New Year with residents of a tribal hamlet in his constituency. For the residents of the basti, having the MLA share their food and spend the night with them was an unforgettable experience. 

Shy minister

Ironical as it may seem, industries minister Ananta Das has, so far, refrained from making a statement on the controversy sparked by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s decision not to partner the state government in organising the latest edition of Make in Odisha, a mega event aimed at attracting investments. While younger BJD leaders have spoken out, his stance has set tongues wagging. Sources said Das was fighting shy of making a statement as he is yet to realise the political import of the issue. “He is new to the department and would not like to take any risks,” said a source. 

Under pressure

State BJP president Basant Panda is a worried man with speculation rife that neither the party high command nor the RSS is happy with his performance. While the party failed to put up a good show in the Bijepur bypoll, it also did badly in the recent elections to the Notified Area Councils of Attabira and Hindol. Panda, said BJP sources, is also facing flak for failing to retain the party’s base in Nuapada, his home district where it had fared poorly in the panchayat elections last year. “No wonder there is speculation about the party already looking for his replacement,” said a BJP leader. 

Footnote

With talk of an imminent change in the state Congress up in the air, Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan is keeping his fingers crossed. Irrespective of what happens to him he would like the reconstituted party to have most of his supporters as it would help him retain his hold on it. Sources said his supporters have been trying to impress upon the high command the need to weed out unruly elements who made the going tough for Harichandan. “If the high command concedes this demand it would be obliged to keep most of Harichandan’s followers in the state Congress,” said a party leader.