By D N Singh
After initial hiccups Naveen Patnaik helmed Biju Janata Dal goverernment in Odisha has so far proves that, it has been a dream-runner, translating words into action amid an atmosphere of political turmoil in other parts where any non-BJP dispensations face headwinds.
But, Patnaik stands apart, with an unspoken bonhomie with the centre. He has remained straight as regards his goals and delivery. Where required, he differed with the Centre and he has seen to it that, many of his conceived schemes are pioneered.
Be it health or education, social or communal disorders, Patnaik has always maintained a self-identity when it is the question of the good of the state.
The outreach into the womens’ empowerment has shown a telling success as en-number of Self Help Groups have emerged impressively towards self-reliance.
Of late his political administartion has made it a missionary mode to empower women through political representations as well.
Sometime back the 75 year old chief minister said that BJD will serve Odisha 100 more years, and whether it was prophecy or political reality but he never said as usual who after him. That is a question in many of his followers’ mind.
Further philosophizing his task he keeps saying that, his party is not all about politics but a social movement that will be taken forward by the youngers of Odisha and may not die out.
On the employment from although there had been a few questions raised, more so after the pandemic, but his strides have not faltered.
Sports has remained a different yet signature mission in his pursuit. It has been a records to have successfully organized two Men’s World Cup Hockey in Odisha.
Patnaik dreams that it is not power but his BJP and its leaders must break out the political confines and reach out to the hearts of the people to keep the culture and identity of Odisha through delivery only.
No matter that, as a CM he has been conferred the honour as one of the best in India, but Naveen Patnaik always walks with his head-on-the-shoulders towards 2024 polls.
