With Phase III Odisha elections approaching fast, the spotlight falls on Dr Purna Chandra Mohapatra, BJP’s candidate for the Cuttack-Barabati Assembly seat. His candidacy stands out not only for his political aspirations but also for his selfless service in the field of healthcare sector. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that he is a messiah for women suffering from gynaecological diseases. Also, women from neighbouring states such as West Bengal and Chhattisgarh blindly rely on him when it comes to gynaecological problems. Women would not mind lining up for consultation at odd hours, even as late as 1 am, outside his nursing home. And he never disappoints his patients. Most importantly, he doesn’t charge any fee for outpatient services. His relentless contributions to the field have saved lives of many women. This time, the retired professor from SCB Medical College and Hospital Mohapatra, who swapped stethoscopes for mikes, is trying his luck in politics. He is pitted against Congress candidate Sofia Firdous and BJD’s Prakash Chandra Behera.
In a candid conversation with Ommcom News Editor-in-Chief Jajati Karan, Mohapatra talks about his plans for heritage restoration if he is voted to power. Here is the excerpt from the interview…
Question: You are a popular doctor not only in Cuttack but in the entire Odisha. Why did you choose to venture into politics?
Answer: Neither I have any political aspirations nor do I have any interest in making politics my career. I ventured into politics because of my inclination towards the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as I was in the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), and have served people on many occasions.
I have primarily joined politics for two reasons; the first one is to increase my sphere of service towards mankind and to be part of the policy-making process. Because I have been a member of many committees including, health and purchase committees where I have observed purchases being made from blacklisted companies to swindle crores of rupees. At that time, it struck in my mind if I was part of the process no bureaucrats could have done such unauthorised activities.
I was overwhelmed when the BJP considered me for organisational politics because I wanted to make transformations within the organisational scope. But, when BJP was planning to field me for electoral politics, speculations were rife that I may get a Lok Sabha ticket from Cuttack parliamentary constituency. And Cuttack people were very happy with the speculations.
Somehow, I wasn’t declared as the MP candidate but offered an MLA ticket from Cuttack which I initially refused as I was content with my service to the party and people. But subsequently, I agreed as I have been actively involved in organisational activities.
Question: Do you find it difficult to contest as an MLA from Cuttack-Barabati Assembly seat as you had made up your mind to contest as an MP, and were replaced at the last moment with Bhartruhari Mahatab?
Answer: Indeed, it is a challenge for me, but in comparison to others I found it easier because every alternative household in Cuttack recognises me for my service towards women. I have rendered my service as a doctor to almost every woman in the city, so people facially recognise me wherever I go.
I have taken it as a challenge. Let’s see whether I am going to pass the electoral examination. If people find me eligible and acknowledge my sacrifice, they will vote me into power. I am not worried about the outcome because I am not here to make a career out of politics but to serve people which I have been doing through my two self-sponsored organisations since 1995.
Question: Give three reasons why the people of Cuttack-Barabati Assembly constituency will vote for you?
Answer: I would divide my idea of development into three categories; number one is preserving the rich cultural heritage of the city. Being the former capital of Odisha, Cuttack has a glorious history which needs to be preserved. We have many heritage buildings including the Governor House and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Sishubhawan) which also need to be restored.
The city is also home to three tall figures of Odisha which include Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Utkal Gaurab (Pride of Utkal) Madhusudan Das, and Baimundi whose legacy needs to be highlighted for the future.
Secondly, I have different agendas for three regions of my area. At CDA, there is a problem of the free holding of lands, whereas residents of different Sahis are grappling with drainage problems. Besides, slum people don’t have access to basic amenities which needs to be addressed. Along with these, my focus would be on education, healthcare and employment which are the fundamental aspects of development.
Lastly, my future vision includes a state-of-the-art parking facility, a GI tag for Dahibara and a food hub. I have also plans to come up with a jewellery hub to uplift artisans of the Silver City. I have also planned to set up a riverfront. Most importantly, I will focus on the conservation of water. In my opinion, we unnecessarily blame Chhattisgarh for the water scarcity in our state as Odisha receives 1500 mm of rainfall every year which is more than the national average of 1100 mm. We can systematically increase water retention by constructing 10-15 barrages.
I am also planning to build a group of think tanks to address different issues in my Assembly constituency which will give a clear vision for achieving desired objectives. I am also planning to establish a World Class Pediatric Institute which will give Cuttack a separate identity in the entire country. These all are part of my long-term goals.
Question: What is the major challenge you are confronting in the election campaign?
Answer: Since I am new to the electoral race, I don’t have any experience in making political strategies. Especially I am not into shady political tactics followed by seasoned politicians to lure voters. I can’t speak lies or make fake commitments. Instead, I will have a straight-forward approach towards people.
So, these are the basic challenges I am facing. Those who are in this field before me are pursuing politics as a career, which makes them better at making strategies. I have selected politics not for my convenience and comfort but for my commitment, and conviction.
Question: Lots of people admire you in Cuttack as you have been a renowned doctor. What kind of support are you getting from your well-wishers?
Answer: My entire political journey is based on the support of my well-wishers. Previously, I used to think I had a few admirers but after interacting with people during my campaigns I discovered people love me beyond my expectations.
Wherever I go for my election campaigns, people greet me with excessive affection. For example, once I visited a park, and introduced myself to a gathering immediately some of the people recognized me by saying, ‘You have done my surgery and helped me deliver my child.’
All I can say, I am participating in the electoral examination and people can vote for me either based on my sacrifices, the policies of the party or the moral values of PM Narendra Modi. If PM Modi’s wave and my sacrifice will work, I will be able to win.
