BJD’s Impregnable Fifth Term’s Third Year, A Celebration Of Triumph Over Odds

 

By D N Singh

Biju Janata Dal is celebrating its completion of the third year of its fifth consecutive tenure in power. Each party in politics has a legitimate reason for such commemorations, so the BJD has.

Way back in 2000, Naveen Patnaik took over the reins of Odisha, almost post the calamitous ‘Super cyclone’, politically also, in the state, there was a kind of classic doomsday which had played out then.

There was a palpable mix of hopes for an economic and political palliative among the people. Wounds were many and the need of the hour then was a healing touch. A dose of inspiration to fill the vacuums.

Being new to politics, virtually, Patnaik demonstrated the zeal for unification of political wills and led a government with an alliance partner but somehow, his aura helped him to stand apart, whipping up an emotion among the larger mass that, they have Naveen Patnaik at the driving seat.

However, Patnaik inspired change, both societal and political. Some of his statesman-like steps brought consolation for the people through several pro-people schemes . And his individual persona was healing for many.

In politics also, we need to limit our political temperament within and outside the party and that was abundantly manifested in his style of functioning.

There were a few political skirmishes in-between, as is usual in any alliance run government, but, Patnaik showed the adaptability thus not allowing any toxic emission to contaminate governance or the delivery mechanism.

The initial two terms were a bit of a roller-coaster ride but the full-bodied leadership could be able to flatten many curves.

Learning from the past, the chief minister almost crushed the foreboding times into his favour and slowly rose above political compulsions to reach out to the people. Which grew to be his indomitable strength as a charismatic chief minister in the country.

Right from health, education, women’s empowerment and infrastructure, Patnaik grew the gumption as how plans can be transfigured into delivery and redeem all the short comings of the past.

It was a big test for him in 2019, as it was he versus the entire NDA to be specific, a battle royal confronting the suave politician in him, and that is when Naveen Patnaik exhibited his unexpected political spontaneity and acumen to brave the huge challenge in the 2019 general election.

He rode into the hearts of the people of Odisha,  by a bus ride, alone, spreading the disarming smile of assurance. One ‘namaskar’ and a few words were all that he had as his campaign strategy.

And what was the result in 2019 elections, is already a history.

Elections or no elections, BJD under him is unstoppable in its mission for the mass.

His doggedness to safeguard the health of people through the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna(BSKY) achieved a mammoth outreach in months was a like a victory of the indigenous over the imported.

Meanwhile he looked for a refreshing encounter with sports and saw Odisha zoom to an international destination through 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup hosted by Odisha.

Next in the line up is the Men’s FIH World Cup in 2023 to be by Odisha again.

Then the subsequent polls for the urban and rural bodies, the balance yet again tilted heavy in his favour, sizing the length for the main rival, the BJP and marginalizing the Congress to a poor finish.

It was pure precision of popularity and authority that was mandated to him which his arch rivals never shied of acknowledging.

It’s a victory of the popular over politicking.