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'This is not democracy'

Bibhuti Mishra in Bhubaneswar

While most Congress leaders in Orissa have welcomed Sonia Gandhi's choice -- Giridhar Gomango -- as the state's 15th chief minister, former CM Nandini Satpathy has created a furore by leaving the Congress Legislature Party meeting midway and telling the press that she opposed the imposition of an 'outsider' .

She spoke to Rediff On The NeT this morning:

You are the lone dissenting voice; don't you think action could be taken against you for 'indiscipline' by the high command?

There was nothing indisciplined about it. The CLP should have elected its leader; instead they meekly accepted the high command's choice. This is not democracy. I am not afraid of any action for speaking my mind.

But a resolution was passed authorising the high command to make the choice...

Yes, so the CLP turned out to be a farce. I am not revolting against the high command, but I definitely object to the ways of the two observers.

But no else came out against it openly.

That's the problem. The legislators talk about the great democratic tradition of the Congress, but behave like a flock of sheep.

Doesn't it sour your relationship right from the beginning with the new CM?

No, I have nothing personal against anyone. I wish Mr Gomango all the luck. He is a good man. But on principles I oppose an 'outsider' being thrust on the CLP. A contest would have been much healthier. Now it means there is no leader here.

When you became CM in the mid-seventies, it is said you also came from the Centre as Indira Gandhi's nominee. You were then a Rajya Sabha MP.

It was not an imposition. The then CLP passed a resolution asking me to take over the leadership.

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