Rout plays game-changer

BHUBANESWAR: The power play within the BJD is set to alter with the announcement by dissident leader and former minister Damodar Rout to float ‘Biju Bichar Manch’. It will propagate the ideology of Biju Patnaik, the guiding force behind the formation of the regional outfit. Analysts feel it will fuel further infighting in the party.

�The Manch will be apolitical in nature and will function like the socialist pressure group of the Congress in the past, Rout told this paper. It will be formally launched on the Gandhi Jayanti day.

� The former minister maintained that the Manch would strengthen BJD and increase Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s popularity. The rebel leader, who has been in touch with old Biju loyalists for the last one month, said the BJD was formed to realise the dreams of Biju _ to make Orissa more prosperous.

�But the newcomers in the BJD are not aware of its history and ideology, Rout said and added some of them had their roots in anti-Biju politics. The Manch will work for bringing in course correction in the regional outfit, he said.

�Rout’s announcement has jolted the BJD as it would directly challenge the authority of Naveen and the ‘other power centre’ in the party _ Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra. Though Rout had restrained himself from criticising the Chief Minister directly in the past, during the last week his posturing has become more strident.

�Launching a broadside against the ministers a few days back, Rout had said they were meant to put their signatures on the files only. The ministers do not have any freedom to function and take decision, he had said.

�The former minister attended several functions with old Biju loyalists during the last one month. As it will be an apolitical organisation the old pals may extend their help in the campaign.

�Rout, however, maintained that the launching of the forum is not meant for harming the BJD in any manner. There is also no question of resigning from the party, he said and added he quit from the Cabinet after being asked by the Chief Minister which was his prerogative. But still he is continuing as a vice-president of the party, he said.

�The former minister said though he holds a senior position in the BJD he is not invited or informed about any organisational work. “I have plenty of time since the leadership is not utilising me in either the government or the party,” he said.

�Rout said he is getting encouraging response from all parts of the State. Many former ministers, senior leaders, former MPs and MLAs are in touch with him, he claimed.