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The Rediff Interview/Naveen Patnaik

'I don't aspire to match my father's image'

Believe us, chasing politicians during election time is real tough. More so if it is someone like Biju Janata Dal president and Union Minister for Mines and Minerals Naveen Patnaik, who wings it all over the Orissa countryside in a chopper.

Seeing him at public meetings you would think he is a witty politician who enjoys every moment of it, every single laugh he elicits when he tries his limited Oriya on the crowd.

But inside the sanctuary of his house, you get the idea that he would rather the people didn't laugh. Electioneering isn't his idea of fun. And the strain is telling on him.

"I have got a million things to do," he grumbles in English, the language he is obviously most comfortable speaking. "I can't do a million things at the same time."

Quick, eager puffs on a cigarette, a few nervous paces, and the well-mannered Society Man emerges fully from behind the mask of the politician he had donned early morning.

He turns to the scribe whom he had ejected -- very politely, of course -- from his presence *twice* in the last 12 hours. "I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long," he apologises. "Before we start, can I know your questions, please?"

In the few minutes that he granted Chindu Sreedharan, the man who's expected to step into Chief Minister Hemanand Biswal's hardly-worn shoes raced through his vague (rehearsed?) answers in measured, clipped sentences. Here's how it went:

How healthy is the BJD at this juncture? What kind of results do you expect?

The health of the Biju Janata Dal is excellent. My party has grown from strength to strength since it was born more than two years ago.

We expect excellent results. The BJD and its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, will get a very large majority.

Can you put a number to the seats you expect to win?

I have given my reply. It will be a v-e-r-y l-a-r-g-e majority.

What are the factors you are counting on for such a victory?

We are a regional party. We stand for the aspirations and requirements of the people of Orissa.

There are quite a few rebel BJD candidates this time around -- about 52.

After the seriousness of the cyclone and the [situation] in the deprived areas like KBK and the many problems of the state, where much of people are below the poverty line, the people want a serious, progressive and responsible government. So I don't see them voting for rebels. Or independents.

What about the Bijoy Mahopatra incident? Will that not affect your prospects?

I do not see any effect.

You mean, it will have absolutely no effect?

No effect at all.

Your move to join up with the BJP hasn't gone down well with many of your cadres.

You must remember that many secular parties are in alliance with the BJP. And also what ties all the parties and the BJP government together is what is called the national agenda for governance, which is a progressive and extremely secular document.

You have not resigned your Union ministership. Does that not signify doubts in your mind about your chances?

Not at all. There are many examples in the past -- in the 50 years of India's independent history -- that people have not resigned till they were installed in the new job.

You stress your identity as Biju Patnaik's son a lot during campaigning. How much longer before Naveen Patnaik emerges as a public figure?

I use my father's name because my father stood for the development and progress of the state. Our party, the Biju Janata Dal, has been named after him, a person whom every Oriya holds in great esteem. All the Oriyas are very proud of my father who achieved a great deal for the state.

In the two-and-a-half years that I have been in the public life, that I have had the privilege of being a servant of the people, I have managed to do from the Centre a certain amount of deeds for the state. Helping in the fields of land, mines, minerals... including a great deal of help post-cyclone.

I don't aspire to match my father's image. As long as I can do good for the people, that's all I am trying to achieve.

Looking back, how would describe your transformation into a politician?

It has been a great privilege. If you do good for the people, there's nothing more required in life.

Would you say you are enjoying your new role?

It is not a question of enjoyment. It is very serious when you are dealing with the work for the people. It is a serious and fascinating job.

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