Even as rumours swirl around in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik appears calm, relaxed and immune to political vicissitudes. Sitting at his desk in his office in the assembly, the 67-year-old took questions from Dola Mitra on allegations of insecurity and addressed concerns about increased factionalism within his party. Excerpts:
After being let down by one of your most trusted aides two years ago, there are reports that you are apprehensive of another ‘coup’ at any moment.
(Laughs) No, that is not true. I am not apprehensive at all.
Would you comment on the irony that such reports about your ‘insecurity’ should surface so soon after your spectacular victory both in the state and Lok Sabha elections?
Yes, I would. People of our state have given us a massive mandate. They have placed their trust on BJD and our governance model by giving us 117 out of 147 members of the legislative assembly and 20 out of 21 Members of Parliament. They have returned us to office for the fourth consecutive term, in fact, with our best ever performance. With this kind of support of our people, why should I have any insecurity (smiles)?
The basis of such speculation appears to be the increased factionalism and divisions within the party.
The Biju Janata Dal is a truly democratic party and healthy debates and discussions are part of our party tradition. At the same time, our party and cadre are disciplined; that is why we got such a huge mandate.
But top BJD ministers, MLAs and MPs have been named for their alleged involvement in a number of scams—land, coal mine, chit fund. Many in your party want to dissociate themselves from them but feel that being close to you they are protected.
Whenever there has been any allegation against any member, irrespective of his position or rank, I have always had it investigated and timely action has been taken against those found guilty. People of our state know this very well and have absolute trust on us in this regard.
But a CAG report has already named some ministers, MPs and MLAs. Where is the need to investigate further?
The CAG report is not a judgement. It is a document on the basis of which investigations are conducted. As always, we are in the process of conducting these investigations, as we have always done in the past. If anyone is found guilty, action will be taken against him.
There are further allegations that you believe in clipping the wings of some and promoting others.
(Looks surprised by the allegation and shakes his head). Absolutely not.
What is the secret of your party’s success?
(Smiles) I think it is basically good, transparent and effective governance coupled with efficient service delivery.
