With the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha around the corner, candidates of all political hues are drumming up their campaigns to woo the voters with their unique promises. In most constituencies in Odisha, the contents are triangular with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress nominees crossing swords for a coveted seat in the state Assembly or the Parliament.
Ommcom News has launched a special series titled ‘Leader Speaks’ to make readers aware of their high-profile candidates and their visions for their constituencies. The latest in this series is Lekhashree Samantsinghar, the BJD Lok Sabha candidate from Balasore. A vocal face of the BJP, Lekhashree joined the ruling BJD recently and is now taking on her former party colleague Pratap Sarangi in Balasore.
Here we present the excerpts of a recent interview of Lekhashree by Ommcom News Editor-in-Chief Jajati Karan where she talks about her vision, mission and plan of action for Balasore if voted to the Parliament.
Q: Give us three important reasons why the people of Balasore should vote for you.
A: Firstly, I want to work for the women and youth of the state, which is on the agenda of the BJD. No other political party is so focused on these issues.
Second, Balasore is a land of rich resources. My two main opposition candidates who have been Union ministers have not worked to use these resources to Balasore’s advantage.
Thirdly, Balasore holds the potential to become a world-class centre. It can be a major economic hub between Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. It can also be the entry point for the development of the entire eastern India. I and my political party have the will to get this done. None of my political opponents are remotely interested in the development of the region.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing in this election campaign?
A: As of now, there is no major challenge for me in Balasore. This is because the record of service and good governance of our Honourable Chief Minister during the last 25 years is itself a testament to this. People are also well aware of the good work done by the Biju Janata Dal. Besides, the most recognizable name is Naveen Patnaik and the most recognizable symbol is the shankha. Women, youth, senior citizens, Dalits and farmers have all in some way or the other benefitted from Naveen Babu’s welfare schemes. This is reflected in the political arena. I don’t see any challenge in Balasore.
Q: You have been a vocal face of the BJP all these years and criticised the government and Naveen Patnaik. Now, you are asking for votes on behalf of the BJD and Naveen Patnaik. Don’t you think this could be a big challenge for you in this election?
A: No, I don’t believe it is a challenge for me. Rather I think it goes to my advantage as I have worked for the people of Odisha on the frontline. I have worked for justice for the Odia people. I am a highly recognisable face and voice who has always worked for the people. I have always stood up for justice and people recognise that.
As a spokesperson of the BJP, my job was to forward the narrative set by my party leaders. I was just doing that. I have done 100% of the job assigned to me. I am a dedicated and committed person and I sincerely want to work for the people of Odisha, especially the people of Balasore. The BJD has given me that opportunity for which I am grateful to the honourable Chief Minister. Now, I will work for the Biju Janata Dal with much dedication sincerely and work for the people of Balasore.
Q: Tell us about the three most important changes that you wish to see in Balasore if you are elected to power.
A: Balasore has a long and vibrant coastline and so it is important to develop the coastal region to boost the local economy. As we know Balasore is the land of ‘paan, mina (fish), and dhana (paddy)’ cultivation of these needs to be developed. In addition, there should be diversification in agriculture and the focus should be on cash crops. At the same time, there should be value addition of the crops from the region. This would lead me to bring in the food processing industry in a big way.
Second, since Balasore is located between Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, the region can be developed into a major IT hub offering services to companies across the country. We can engage the youth in this field and employ them. These are big qualities, please don’t take it otherwise.
Third, but not least, my focus will be on industry and connectivity as in roads, highways, railways, airports, and ports. Internet connectivity is also important for the growth of industry. All these together will generate employment on a massive scale. We need this badly in Balasore. Developing a special economic zone (SEZ) around the port is also very important.
Q: What is your biggest personal strength which you think will help you to win this election?
A: I have a vision for Balasore and I am committed to following it up with hard work for the transformational development of Balasore.
Q: Tell us about one good thing about your major opponents – Pratap Sarangi of BJP and Srikant Jena of the Congress, each. What do you appreciate about them?
A: I think Pratap Sarangi knows how to survive at the cost of others. Srikant Jena, on the other hand, knows how to manipulate people for his benefit. Please don’t take this otherwise, they are really big qualities (laughs).
