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The Rediff Interview/ Bijoy Mohapatra

'The BJD is no one's paternal property'

Bijoy Mohapatra is a changed man. Gone is the tentativeness that showed when BJD chief Naveen Patnaik issued an expulsion order against him on Thursday. The wily political brain is now at work and there is a lot of aggro as he spoke briefly with Bibhuti Mishra about his predicament in the wake of his nomination papers being rejected.

Now that you are out of the election fray what are your future plans?

This is not the end. My pleas were rejected by the returning officer but I am approaching the Election Commission regarding this. Of course, I shall also take the issue to the people

But did you apprehend such a move?

It is a conspiracy against me which had been brewing for a long time. The people of Orissa are aware of my efforts for the party. Such back-stabbing will be avenged by them.

Since the party president has thrown you out what are your options?

I am not quitting the party. It was founded by all of us who were inspired by Biju Patnaik's ideology. One person cannot consider it his paternal property. I shall remain in the party and try to rid it of all evil. People who do not belong should go.

You are alleged to have links with the Congress...

That is utter nonsense. My political career was begun on an anti-Congress plank and I have remained true to my principles all along

Does it mean you will try to oust Naveen Patnaik?

Why not? Anyone who harms the party must go.

What will be your role in the coming elections?

I shall campaign for the party candidates. Of course I do not know whether I shall campaign in Hinjli (where Naveen Patnaik is the candidate), but Patnaik is welcome to campaign in Patkura where I was deprived of a contest. Of course I shall not be responsible for any consequences.

Do you think you have enough support within the party to mount an attack against Naveen Patnaik?

Just wait and watch how things turn out. The poll is now the main issue and I shall first concentrate on the BJD's victory. The party must come first, individuals do not matter.

The Rediff Interviews

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