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The Rediff Interview/Basanta Kumar Biswal

'Patnaik appears keen only to preserve his chair'

For Orissa's Opposition politicians, it is not surprising that yet another gang-rape has come to light under the rule of Chief Minister Janaki Ballab Patnaik. But what has queered the pitch for Patnaik this time is that Congressmen themselves, led by no less than Deputy Chief Minister Basanta Kumar Biswal, rushed to party president Sonia Gandhi to complain that Anjana Mishra's rape has irreparably damaged the party's image in the state. Sonia has summoned Patnaik to explain how the deplorable incident occurred and how the party's image can be salvaged.

What is less known, however, is that the dissidents also got a dressing-down from the party chief for airing their grievances in the press. Tara Shankar Sahay spoke to Biswal about the rape case and Sonia Gandhi's reaction.

It is being said that you instigated the dissidents to rush to Delhi and complain to Sonia Gandhi. Can you explain why the chief minister is to blame for the rape?

For one, he is the chief minister and is responsible for law and order. But more important is the fact that he appears keen only to preserve his chair and has ignored our repeated warnings that the law-and-order situation is deteriorating by the day. The gang-rape has only confirmed our misgivings and Opposition parties are having a field day tarnishing our party's image.

Congress spokesperson Girija Vyas clarified [yesterday] that the working committee will not discuss Mishra's alleged rape. Does that not mean your representations against the CM have lost their sting?

No, it is a very serious matter and due cognisance has already been taken of it by our party chief.

But what you are not mentioning is that she has also given you, the dissidents in Orissa, a severe dressing-down for rushing to the press to air your grievances against Patnaik. Isn't that true?

Do you expect me to divulge what transpired at our meeting with madam? It is very much our affair. But nobody can doubt that she is our leader and whatever she says counts.

Are you denying that you and your dissident colleagues were upbraided by the Congress president for publicly speaking out against the CM?

Aap jo chaahe sonch sakte hain [you can believe what you want]. I cannot prevent you press people from making your own conclusions.

What do you say to the allegation that your ambition to become chief minister has made you undertake umpteen attempts to tarnish Patnaik's image?

Let me ask you a counter-question. If I protest against the gang-rape of a woman, am I to be condemned by vested interests? But I would like to emphasise that I am a loyal soldier of the party and will do nothing that will harm it in any way.

That suggests you have been pulled up...

[Interrupting] I told you before, you can make your own conclusions, I am not stopping you.

The party high command is apparently upset that when the attacks on Christians in Gujarat had put the BJP on the defensive, your action of airing your grievances against Patnaik on the gang-rape has given the BJP and its allies a stick to beat the Congress with. Please comment.

No comments.

Then why do you think the CWC will not discuss Anjana Mishra's alleged rape?

Your question is directed at the wrong person.

What do you think of the party high command's efforts to gather facts about the alleged rape?

It shows our party is concerned and is doing everything to set the situation right. Thank you very much. [And Biswal offers his hand, ending the interview abruptly.]

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