You have been accused of masterminding the murder of Hindol block chairman, Nabaghana Sahu due to a dispute over the ownership of a petrol pump, cashewnut field and other business related issues. How would you respond to these allegations?

I have nothing to do with the murder. There was no dispute with him regarding the cashewnut fields since it was his ancestral property and I have never tried to acquire it. As far as the ownership of the petrol pump is concerned, it is my husband’s and Sahu was not at all associated with that. Who do you think has murdered him? I have no idea. Sahu was a political man. And when you are in politics, you are always targeted. After he was killed, I reached the hospital where his body was kept. According to his (Sahu’s) brother, a youth called Jitu of the same area is responsible for the murder. He has also surrendered before the police. The crime branch is now investigating the case. Let’s wait until the report is released.

The Opposition parties have been demanding your resignation in connection with the murder. How has it affected your image?

I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with the murder. I have always said that I am prepared for an inquiry by any agency. There are some leaders in the Congress and the BJP who are trying to sabotage my political career. They are jealous of my rise to power and want to defame me.

 

Can you name the leaders who are engineering this political attack on you?

I don’t think it would be wise on my part to name them. Some party presidents and other leaders who have given media statements against me and staged a road blockade demanding my resignation are involved in this unhealthy political game.

The dal scam rocked the state and consequently, Pramila Mallick, who was minister of women and child development department, had to step down. How do you plan to resurrect the image of your department?

Whatever happened was unfortunate. At present, the matter is being probed and I don’t think it would be proper for me to comment further on this issue. Evidence suggested that the misdeed took place at the collectors’ level and some of them have been suspended already.

Days after you took over the WCD department your name cropped up in connection with Sahu’s murder. Your predecessor, Mallick, had to resign in the wake of the dal scam. Does it ruffle you that the ministry might be jinxed?

There is no such jinx. It is mere coincidence. Politics is not a bed of roses. Even though you are honest, people concoct stories to defame you.

Now, the school and mass education department would conduct the midday meal scheme. Do you think it can handle this responsibility well?

In my opinion, the school and mass education department would be able to handle the scheme in a better way since they look into all school-related issues. The teachers and school management can check whether the quality of the rice and pulses being supplied is up to the mark or not and if the meal has been cooked as per the day’s menu or not.

Do you feel you were made a cabinet minister because you talk very little, a quality chief minister Naveen Patnaik appreciates?

(Laughs) There is nothing like that. I am a senior politician of my district. I am now into my third term as member of state legislative Assembly. I think Naveen babu wants to have a fair representation from every district in his cabinet and probably that is why he chose me. I am just guessing this is the reason. I am really not sure.

There has been a lot of debate about the real power centre in the BJD. Whose instructions and advice do you follow more — Naveen or Pyari Mohan Mohapatra?

There is no second power centre. The chief minister, Naveen babu is the leader of the party and I abide by his instructions. There is no reason why you should bring Pyari babu into the picture.

Don’t you think Pyari has been influencing the chief minister’s decisions?

See, Pyari babu is someone who is working hard for the party’s progress. I don’t think it is wrong to offer advice. And if at all someone is giving good suggestions, there is no harm in accepting them.

Naveen is a bachelor. Do you think he can understand the feelings of women?

He can very well understand the feelings of women, men, children, everyone. That is why he is so popular and has been elected as chief minister thrice. He is an excellent writer and has very good knowledge about the state’s culture and history. He understands every issue that concerns the aam janata.

What would you have been had you not been a politician?

I think I would have been a good housewife. Even now, I would say I am a housewife first and then a politician. I like to do all the household chores myself. Every morning, I sweep the house and cook breakfast for my two children. My husband took voluntary retirement and has his own business now. Since he stays in Angul, I spend as much time as I can with my sons. I came into politics as I was inspired by my politician-father (Trinath Nayak). He was a three-time MLA and was part of the Biju Patnaik ministry. Despite political commitments, I have always given first priority to my home and children.

A silent worker

Anjali Behera, one of the top rank women leaders of Biju Janata Dal, has been rewarded by the Naveen Patnaik government for her diligence and fuss-free style of functioning

For the last two years she had been working silently but effectively for the welfare of
handloom weavers who were facing an uncertain future following the disappearance of government support for them

Behera changed all that coming up with novel ideas to mobilise resources for this long neglected community of the state

She liaisoned with different government departments urging them to buy handloom
products for their staff and tried to convince those looking after higher education to get the uniforms of students in government colleges made of handloom produced by the indigenous weavers

Now, Behera is once again in focus having taken up the reins of women and child welfare department which was in the eye of a storm following the exit of her predecessor and senior BJD leader, Pramila Mallick in the wake of the infamous Dal scam

Behera, a mother of two, is a bachelor of arts who was first elected to the Orissa Legislative Assembly on a Biju Janata Dal ticket in 2000

For Behera, who learnt the political ropes watching her father, Trinath Nayak, a former
minister, her family and children still remain a major priority