Matter of metaphor
Former agriculture minister Damodar Rout introduced Bhawani Patnaik, freedom fighter and erstwhile associate of Biju Patnaik, in his own inimitable way at the launch of Biju Vichar Manch, a platform that aims to bring Biju loyalists together. “Bagh dekhi na jadi biradi dekhi nia (if you haven’t seen tiger, see the cat at least),” said Rout, pointing to the lanky freedom fighter who did the honours on the occasion. Tiger was apparently a reference to Biju Patnaik, known for his daring and flamboyance. Cat as a metaphor for the freedom fighter sounded a bit unflattering but he took it in his stride and went ahead with the day’s proceedings smiling.
Nayak no-show
As expected, Biju Janata Dal leaders stayed away from the launch of Biju Vichar Manch, a thinly veiled attempt at stoking dissidence in the name of uniting the followers of Biju Patnaik. Even the founder of the Manch, Damodar Rout, did not expect many of his party colleagues to turn up. But the absence of Bari MLA Debashish Nayak, who was suspended from the party sometime ago, disappointed him. Nayak, though, had his own reasons for not coming. Having accompanied chief minister Naveen Patnaik recently on a visit to the flood-hit areas of Bari, he has become hopeful of his suspension being revoked. Being seen in the company of Rout at the inauguration of Manch would not have been appropriate at this juncture.
Rout firm
For the top Biju Janata Dal leaders, the launch of Biju Vichar Manch was a non-event. While chief minister Naveen Patnaik refused to comment on the development, his chief aide and Rajya Sabha member Pyari Mohan Mohapatra remarked dismissively that everyone was free to propagate the ideology of Biju Patnaik. This, however, has failed to dampen the spirits of Manch founder Damodar Rout, who remains determined to make a success of his venture. “Having worked with Biju Babu for a long time, I know what his ideas were and will work hard towards realising his dreams irrespective of what anyone may say,” asserted Rout.
Asha charms
Famous playback singer Asha Bhonsle was practically mobbed during her visit to the city to receive the Akshaya Samman. Tired though she must have been because of the flight delay, the singer with the golden voice obliged her fans without complains. The fans also included some ministers who were present on the occasion. One of them made an embarrassing faux pas referring to her as Lata Mangeshkar while requesting her to sing one of his favourite numbers. However, the graceful singer did not make any bones about it and obliged. In her case, humility remains the hallmark of greatness.
OCA gesture
Cash-rich Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) has decided to extend its generosity to other sports and games. The association won many a heart the other day when it announced a cash award of Rs 50,000 each for three Oriya weightlifters, who made the state proud by winning gold medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. Honorary secretary of Orissa Cricket Association Asirbad Behera and its other office-bearers congratulated the lifters — Minati Das, Pramila Kirsani and Achyutananda Sahoo — and wished them success while announcing the cash prize. “Orissa Cricket Association is the richest sports body in the state and hence must share the responsibility of promoting other sports as well,” said Behera, who is also secretary of the Orissa Olympic Association.
Surendra content
Former agriculture minister Surendra Nath Nayak seems to have adjusted well to his role as deputy chairperson of the state planning board. Though his office is bereft of the trappings of power surrounding ministers, he has learnt to be content. In fact, Nayak, who was denied a Biju Janata Dal ticket for the Assembly elections at the last moment, is said to be happy that he is away from the hustle and bustle of power politics. He considers himself lucky that he has avoided meeting the fate of the likes of Damodar Rout and Debashish Nayak, who were dropped from the ministry under controversial circumstances.
