Union Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan’s victory from Pallahara constituency in the 2000 Assembly elections had alarmed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. That victory marked the foray of the saffron party in the state that holds the key to 21 Lok Sabha seats and thus, is crucial for the incumbent government at the Centre.
In the book, ‘Naveen Patnaik’ by Juggernaut publications, senior journalist and editor of the Outlook magazine, Ruben Banerjee looks at Patnaik’s political trajectory as he went on to hold the reins as chief minister for four successive terms. The book was launched in Delhi on 10 October 2018, followed by a conversation with former BJD leader Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda.
Party Swerved Away from Ethics: Jay Panda
Talking about his decision to quit the party he was a part of for more than fifteen years, Jay Panda said “he got disillusioned in the last five years.”
“In terms of distribution of tickets, the party swerved away from ethics. This was followed by actions such as physical assault on me and the harassment so the last five years were those of disillusionment.”Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, Former BJD Leader
Senior journalist Ruben Banerjee, who has followed the politics of Naveen Patnaik since last two decades, described him as a ‘master strategist’.
“He was never a novice. Everyone thought he was the mukhauta and that Pyari babu (Pyarimohan Mohapatra) is taking decisions. Naveen is a master strategist.”Ruben Banerjee, Editor, Outlook magazine
Talking about his personal ties with Patnaik, Panda said it was in 2017 when he decided to call it quits.
“My mind was made up last year when I was assaulted on live television.”Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, Former BJD Leader
Panda also said no one from the party, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, had turned up to pay their last respects to his father, Bansidhar Panda, in May this year. The former Kendrapara MP told the audience how his father had bailed out Patnaik and his family when they were dealing with a financial crisis.
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