In the aftermath of his being axed from the Ministry, it is now revealed from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) sources that Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak’s relations with SUM Hospital and Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University owner Manoj Ranjan Nayak were deeper than meets the eye.
Atanu, who had not merely got his wife posted at the SOA University’s ITER as a teacher, was trying to promote multimillionaire education businessman Manoj in the BJD politics, particularly in Kendrapada, the home district of both Nayaks.
Taking advantage of the trust reposed on him by BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaaik, Atanu was reportedly lobbying for Manoj as the party candidate for the Kendrapada lok Sabha seat in the 2019 general elections.
Manoj, who was understood to be a major source for Atanu’s political activities, including his elections from the Mahakalpada Assembly constituency in the district, was sought by Atanu to replace the present party MP of Kendrapada, Baijayant ‘Jai’ Panda, as the next candidate.
Crafty Atanu, who has since long turned against Baijayant Panda in the Kendrapada politics, ventured to rope in Manoj in Panda’s place due to the Naveen’s reported estrangement from Panda for various reasons, most important being a question mark over Panda’s loyalty to the BJD big boss.
When asked about Atanu’s pro-Manoj move, a source close to Bijayant Panda said, “Yes, we have been hearing about such reports or rumours for some time.”
An important anti-Panda source in the BJD also confirmed Atanu’s design but said Manoj was not a befitting replacement of Panda.
Even if Naveen wants to dump the two-time Kendrapada MP Baijayant Panda, it is not known for sure whether he had given a go-ahead to Atanu to promote Manoj in Panda’s place.