Bike carrot
The “vistaraks” (campaign volunteers) — picked up by BJP president Amit Shah to take the party’s message to all the 147 Assembly constituencies in the state and generate an atmosphere in its favour ahead of the next elections - are quite excited about their job. However, more than any ideological commitment, the real motivating factor in this case is believed to be the motorcycles being provided to these volunteers by the party. BJP sources confide that while 130 motorcycles have already arrived in the state, another 17 are on their way. The party would spend Rs 2,000 a month on fuel for each of these two wheelers, the cost to be borne by the concerned district units. “The volunteers, all set to vroom around the constituencies assigned to them, think it's going to be fun,” said a BJP leader.
Pat for Rout
Agriculture minister Damodar Rout’s debating skills have been taken note of, among others, by chief minister Naveen Patnaik himself. If BJD sources are to be believed, the veteran, who was also a minister in the cabinet of Naveen’s father Biju Patnaik in the 90s, was complimented by the chief minister at a recent cabinet meeting in the presence of all the ministers. Rout, who accepted the compliment with a smile, was also congratulated by his colleagues. Some of them think Rout ought to celebrate because he has often been criticised in the past for either speaking out of turn or putting his foot in mouth.
Secret report
Though police finally arrested six persons in connection with the egg attack on Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda near Mahanga in May, mystery still surrounds the report of technical education minister Usha Devi on the issue. She had inquired into the matter at the insistence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik as the episode snowballed into a major controversy causing much embarrassment to the BJD. However, the party leadership, apparently hoping that the controversy would die down of its own, is yet to make her report public. “The party has kept the report under the wraps as it fears it would bring its internal feud into open,” said a party leader.
Steer clear
Firebrand Birmitrapur MLA George Tirkey has come out unscathed from the controversy that erupted following allegation of rape against his son. Sources said though Tirkey’s political opponents tried to take advantage of the alleged scandal, the MLA, who was first elected to the state Assembly on a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ticket, foiled their plans by declaring that he would not mind his son being punished if he was really guilty. “If he is not guilty, he will come out of it clean,” he said. The MLA’s stand has been widely appreciated as it reflects his love for justice and fair play.
New worry
Though the BJD leaders sought to put up a brave face in the wake of Vansdhara tribunal award allowing Andhra Pradesh to go ahead with both Neradi and Katragada projects, party sources indicate that the BJP might take advantage of the government's failure to get a favourable verdict from the tribunal.
The BJP, which in the past had organised popular movements in Gunpur and its adjoining areas over the issue, is reported to be gearing up to stage fresh protests. Given that the party has dynamic leaders such as Shib Shankar Ulaka working in the area it can easily turn public sentiments in its favour. “This is what worries us,” admitted a BJD leader.
Hard work
State BJP president s is working hard to strengthen his party’s base in his native district Nuapada. Sources in the party said Panda, stung by BJP's abysmal performance in the district in the recent panchayat polls, has decided to devote more time to the area as the debacle adversely affected his public image. Besides, he also had to face criticism within the party. “It was embarrassing because people started questioning his leadership qualities and there were murmurs against him within the party. Now, he is determined to set things right and win back the respect of party leaders and workers,” said a Panda acolyte.
