Bhubaneswar, being the Capital city, always witnesses a high-stake political battle, be it Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. Last time in 2019, the Lok Sabha seat from the prestigious Bhubaneswar parliamentary constituency had gone to the BJP pocket while the ruling party BJD had retained all three (Bhubaneswar North, Bhubaneswar Central and Ekamra) assembly segments. However, this time a completely different picture is seen in the State Capital with a visible neck-to-neck fight among major political fronts especially between BJD and BJP.
The Naveen Patnaik-led regional party, which had captured all three Assembly seats and lost the Lok Sabha segment to BJP in 2019, has eyed a repetition in the Assembly polls and snatching of the MP seat from the BJP this election. In a similar race, the BJP used its maximum force to script history by capturing all MLA seats along with retaining the parliamentary constituency.
The saffron party has fielded two old party faces in Ekamra and Bhubaneswar Central and chosen turncoat Priyadarshi Mishra for Bhubaneswar North. A former BJD MLA, Mishra who switched to the saffron camp, caught up with the Ommcom News’ ‘Leader’s Speaks’ series and explained his vision, reason of changing guard, agenda for his constituency and challenges he is facing in a candid chat with the Ommcom News Editor-in-chief Jajati Karan.
Excerpts—–
Q-You were in Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for long time. What made to switch to BJP at the last moment?
Ans-I was in BJD since student time. During our student time, we used to interact with legendary Biju Patnaik directly. When the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was formed, I was also associated with it. The party leader was accessible to all. Now, the party went in a different direction. After 2019-20, the leader was not accessible.
Q-These are the only reasons which forced to switch or you changed the party after being denied a party ticket?
Ans- I was also denied a ticket in 2019. Still, I was working for the BJD. A time came when we couldn’t discuss the problems and grievances with the leader. Our grievances remained unaddressed. What is the meaning of remaining in the party?
Q-You switched to BJP at the last moment. What difficulties are you facing while convincing people in favour of you and your party?
Ans– People know me as Priyadarshi Mishra for long. I was associated with them and worked for them even when I was not an MLA. I am observing while interacting with them during rallies and public meetings, that they are extending their unconditional love and support. My change of guard doesn’t make any difference for them.
Q-Give three major reasons why the people of Bhubaneswar-North would vote for you.
Ans– During my tenure as MLA, I had successfully fulfilled 90% of my promises. I had also given my report card to people every year. People remember my commitment and works. After 2019, many major projects which I had started, have remained incomplete. People want me to get these projects done.
Secondly, I believe in the politics of development. I have never committed any political violence nor supported this kind of thing. I stand for development politics. So, people have trust on me.
Thirdly, a wind of change is blowing across the State with the call of Prime Minister Modi. In Odisha, people support the Modi-wave and want to bring a change in the State. This is a major factor which will prompt people to vote for me.
Q-What major challenges are you facing this election?
Ans– I am facing a challenge now-a-days which I have never imagined. I am seeing that BJD workers are indulging in violent activities. They are threatening our workers and tearing my posters and banners at night. We had not built the BJD like this. Now, this party is doing negative politics.
Q-What three major changes do you want to bring for your constituency if you are voted to power?
Ans– First, I will work on the relocation of the dumping yard situated at Ward no 9 which badly affects the people of VSS Nagar, Gadakana, Dhirakuti slum and Damana area. The dumping yard is posing serious health hazards.
Secondly, I would complete the incomplete projects in my constituency. The land patta provided to the slum dwellers is invalid as it bears no signatures of the government authorities. We have promised to provide a maximum 600 sqft land to the slum dwellers. I and Bhubaneswar MP have included it in the BJP manifesto.
Thirdly, I will try to give the charge of maintenance of Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan road to NHAI which would maintain it properly to ease traffic woes.
Q- What is your assessment for BJP in Odisha and Bhubaneswar also? Last time, BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi had won the MP seat while all three MLA seats went to BJD.
Ans– This time BJP will perform better. Aparajita is in a very good position to win the LS poll. For the first time, all three Assembly seats in Bhubaneswar will go to the BJP pockets as the Modi wave is working fast. We don’t get surprised that BJP is going to form government in Odisha this time. People have made up their minds to bring BJP to power after Modi’s clarion call for a change in the State.
Q-You are the son-in-law of veteran leader Dr Prasanna Patsani. Your wife is also a well-known social worker. What support are you getting from them?
Ans- My wife stands behind me like a rock. Her contribution to my success is tremendous. She participates in my campaigning and all other political activities. I always seek blessings from Dr Patsani. But, I never approach him for campaigning for me as he is in a different party. I am sure that his blessings are with me.
