PCC chief has started well to bring unity in party
Widely perceived as the Machiavelli of Odisha politics after Dr Harekrushna Mahtab, the homecoming of Janaki Ballav (JB) Patnaik, a former three-time Chief Minister of Odisha and the former Governor of Assam has awakened mixed response in the State. While hope tells a flattering tale in the ears of every Congressman, it has sent a chill down the spine of the boldest veterans of the State’s opposition camps as the nonagenarian workaholic Patnaik with his indomitable spirit, unconquerable will, indefatigable zeal with his invigorating thoughts and intoxicating capsules of unity mantra is bent on reviving and rejuvenating the Congress party against the backdrop of a strong BJD and even on the face of a (Modi)fied India. In an interview to The Pioneer, Patnaik spoke to Sugyan Choudhury on the Congress affairs and about the prevailing situation in the country.
Your return has inspired Congress workers on the whole. Do you think that you will be in active politics againIJ
I have already told I was in politics and I am in politics now.
Ever since you left as the CM of Odisha, your party has not enjoyed power over a considerable period of time. What could be the reason behind this syndromeIJ
The question is a party does not always seek power. It has to consolidate its position and then decide whether it is worthy of coming to power. Unfortunately, there were frequent changes in the party leadership. Some of the changes were not good, and it could not inspire the public. That is the reason why it has happened so.
How long should the present PCC president (Prasad Harichandan) continue in the postIJ It is believed that anyone who will be the PCC chief should always have your overt or covert blessings.
How longIJ He is the PCC chief and I believe he will continue for a full term. I have my blessings with him.
Will your party come to power in the event of an election in 2019 or prior to it at a time when there is a strong BJD in the State and a vibrant BJP at the CentreIJ
I cannot predict; I am not an astrologer. Congressmen in the State should identify their problems and predicaments and then decide if the party will come to power or not. They should forget their differences and be united. They should have honest introspection and serious soul-searching among themselves.
Can Congressmen end their internecine squabbles and dissensionsIJ
Why notIJ It was possible during my time. Why could not it be resolved nowIJ And he, the present PCC chief, has started well in that direction.
What is your reaction to the recent land Ordinance imposed by the Modi GovernmentIJ
The Ordinance has to become an Act. It must face the Parliament before it is enacted as law. Wherever it has started, it could not have been implemented fully and successfully. Then, how the problem under land Ordinance can be solved I cannot say at this stage.
What’s your opinion regarding the CBI probe into the chit fund scamIJ
Everybody feels that it has slowed down. I feel so. They started with a right beginning, but subsequently it got slowed down.
What is your contribution in cementing eastern zonal culture and preferably in bringing the culture of Odisha and Assam nearerIJ
I have tried my best to do so. I have taken care to invite Assam Sahitya Sabha members to our State and they were accorded with a warm reception here and they had also reciprocated the same to a group of Odia litterateurs. The exchange was quite good. During my stay in Assam as Governor, I have attempted my best to bring Assam and Odisha closer in terms of music, drama and other cultural exchanges. I have also taken the lead to spread the cult of lord Jagannath by helping to build a temple of lord Jagannath in Assam.
How do you think the State Government will be able to deal properly the Nabakalebar festival of lord Jagannath and be able to internationalise the rare eventIJ Are you being consultedIJ
They are in the Government. They must rise to the occasion. let us hope so. If they consult me, I will give them proper advice since it involves the dignity of Odisha and the lord’s not only nationally but also in the international sphere.
Do you agree on Rahul Gandhi’s opinions on the Modi GovernmentIJ
He is the vice-president of the party. He has every right to make an assessment on the performance of the Government from time-to-time in the best interests of the country. He has also every right to advise Congress people as and when required.
Would you please kindly tell us how you have combined both politics and writing togetherIJ
I chose a career in politics, but writing is my passion. I have written many books. My speeches and writings are published in three volumes in English. I have written a book in Sanskrit. My Odia books are fourteen in number. I have written on the Mahabharata and on the Ramayana. I have translated Srimad Bhagbat from Sanskrit into Odia which has found popular acceptance. I have also translated Bankim Chandra’s novels from Bengali to Odia. I have also translated the three volumes of Bhartruhari Shatak from Sanskrit original into Odia; and the like.