Isn’t it bizarre that Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka was kidnapped by Maoists from Toyaput and is being held hostage in his home constituency and his district (Koraput)?

It is not that the Maoists were waiting to kidnap him or that it was pre-planned. It was by chance that they spotted him returning home late at night and took advantage of the opportunity. They took him to get their demands fulfilled. I had asked him not to travel so late in the night. But he had a meeting next morning and wanted to go back.

Do you feel that apart from the three bureaucrats, politicians, particularly from the Maoist-infested areas, should also have been closely involved in dealing with the hostage crisis?

I agree with you. Had the political leaders been taken into confidence, we would not have reached a point where the Maoists could arm-twist the government. There are many issues plaguing the tribal areas. Not everyone understands the ground realities. It will not end with the release of hostages. Today they have taken away Hikaka, tomorrow I could be the victim.

Do you fear being kidnapped by Maoists?

Not at all, because I am honest. I work for the people selflessly. The government provides security to us. I never wanted it but they said it is mandatory, you know, just in case an untoward situation takes place.

Don’t you think the tribal leadership in the state has collectively failed in bringing about development in tribal areas, which is mainly responsible for the rise of the rebel activities?

I feel so. The media, district administration, officers and the top bureaucrats at the helm of administration are responsible for this. The percentage of tribals in top positions of the state machinery is marginal. Even those few tribals who make it to the top are always dominated by their colleagues belonging to the general category. We don’t get as much importance as they do.

Does the chief minister also pay no heed to what tribal leaders say?

No, he does. But if officers give him wrong information or contradict our reports, he will naturally not trust us. Problems in tribal areas are not given due importance. The administration has never cooperated with tribal leaders.

Don’t you agree that tribal leaders have not met the expectations of people of their community?

How can we work independently when there are administrative hurdles?

There are several industries in our areas but how many local people actually get employed? This is a failure on the part of the district administrations. However, in the 1990s, after Biju Patnaik became chief minister, development work began in the tribal dominated regions, which had been completely neglected until then. This led to spurt in rebel activities.

A lot of money is being spent on the backward districts of Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput. However, why has there been no development in the true sense till now?

First, the fund amount is inadequate and secondly, a large part of it is unutilised because not many contractors dare to enter the districts where Maoists have a strong presence. Had the Maoists been in favour of development, they would not have terrorised people. We want them to give up arms and join the mainstream. After all, they are our own people.

The Opposition has alleged that Hikaka’s kidnapping has been orchestrated by the ruling Biju Janata Dal, which reportedly has strong links with Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS). What’s your take on this?

It is shameful that the Opposition makes these baseless allegations instead of suggesting ways to get Hikaka freed. This is no drama.

Some of their demands made during Malkangiri collector Vineel Krishna’s release had remained fulfilled which is why they took away the MLA, that too by chance.

Do you subscribe to the view that many members of the Maoist-backed CMAS have been framed and lodged in Koraput jail since long?

False cases have been made against innocent tribals many a times. When they are jailed for no reason, they become anti-establishment and turn rebels. A case in point is president of CMAS, Nachika Linga. As far as I know, he is not directly involved in any wrongdoing and is being slammed for the offences committed by his subordinates.

lWhat would you say about your alleged involvement in the murder of BJD leader N. Bhaskar Rao’s two brothers. It is said you didn’t have cordial relations with Rao.

I was victimised because I am a tribal. But the truth will eventually come out. The crime branch has taken over the inquiry.

Do you feel that Biju Patnaik loyalists are being ignored in the party?

I agree, but chief minister Naveen Patnaik is not responsible for it. There are some ambitious party members who have created such a situation for their selfish gains.

You were in Biju babu’s ministry in the 1990s. How different is it working with Naveen?

Biju babu was a true hero. He was impulsive, took decisions without thinking and sometimes, made mistakes. Naveen babu is more practical and always takes the correct decisions. He has evolved as a mature leader and is beginning to understand the nitty-gritty of politics.

Seasoned politician

• Jayaram Pangi, 56, is a member of Parliament currently representing the Koraput Lok Sabha constituency

lHe completed his matriculation from Government High School, Sunabeda, and holds a national apprenticeship certificate (machinist-grinder) from the National Council for Vocational Training

• A four-time Assembly member, Pangi made his political debut in 1977 by winning an Assembly seat on a Janata Dal ticket from Pottangi, Koraput. He was re-elected in 1990 from the same constituency. He was the member of the advisory committee of steel and mines, industry, tourism and culture, members amenities committee, and also member of house committees on cooperation, forest protection, panchayati raj and government assurance

• In the 1990s, Pangi was minister of state for agriculture, cooperation and excise (independent charge). He joined the Biju Janata Dal since its formation day and won elections for two consecutive terms from 2000-04 and 2004-09. He held the post of chairman of the SC/ST welfare committee

• He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 and was a member of the committee on science and technology, environment and forests. He found himself in the thick of a controversy with allegations of his involvement in the murder of the two brothers of Koraput BJD leader N. Bhaskar Rao

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

I would have been a farmer. I was an apprentice at a technical training school because I wanted to find a salaried job with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at Sunabeda. However, fate had other plans for me. My father was a freedom fighter and a huge inspiration for me. I wanted to give shape to the developmental work he had begun in his area, just like Naveen Patnaik is fulfilling his father Biju Patnaik’s dreams for Odisha and Odia people. That is how I entered into politics. Otherwise, I would have taken up farming since I had no interest in business.