Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Odisha comes amidst internal discord and challenges for the BJP's first government in the state under CM Mohan Charan Majhi. (PTI Image)
NEW DELHI: All is not well in the BJP government in Odisha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state has come at a time when the BJP state unit is hit by discord. The lack of coordination between the government and the organisation is another cause of worry for the party leadership.
The BJP had formed its first government in Odisha in June after defeating the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD, which ruled the state for 25 years. The BJP top brass, sources said, is wary of factionalism after some senior leaders tried to use their clout in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to try to get people close to them appointed.
After reports of some senior leaders trying to exert their influence surfaced, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, it is learnt, has been advised by the party top brass to disallow any interference by any senior leader, including those in the Central team, in the governance.
With hardly any, or in most cases no, administrative experience among the Majhi-led team, there are also complaints about a lack of interdepartmental coordination. The BJP leadership has always stressed coordination between the organisation and the government.
While the BJP government has been active on the ground, there is a growing feeling within the organisation that it needs to be "more proactive" to compete with former CM “Naveen (Patnaik) babu's legacy”. RSS pointsperson in the BJP, Arun Kumar, it is learnt, had held a meeting recently with the CM and other senior leaders on the "dos and don'ts" for the government and strengthening the coordination between the government and the organisation.
The RSS leader, sources said, also advised the CM to be "assertive" and make himself and his team members approachable for the people, something Naveen Patnaik "lacked".
After reports of some senior leaders trying to exert their influence surfaced, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, it is learnt, has been advised by the party top brass to disallow any interference by any senior leader, including those in the Central team, in the governance.
With hardly any, or in most cases no, administrative experience among the Majhi-led team, there are also complaints about a lack of interdepartmental coordination. The BJP leadership has always stressed coordination between the organisation and the government.
While the BJP government has been active on the ground, there is a growing feeling within the organisation that it needs to be "more proactive" to compete with former CM “Naveen (Patnaik) babu's legacy”. RSS pointsperson in the BJP, Arun Kumar, it is learnt, had held a meeting recently with the CM and other senior leaders on the "dos and don'ts" for the government and strengthening the coordination between the government and the organisation.
The RSS leader, sources said, also advised the CM to be "assertive" and make himself and his team members approachable for the people, something Naveen Patnaik "lacked".
Factionalism in the Odisha unit has always been a cause of worry for the BJP top brass. The organisation in the state, a senior leader said, is yet to realise that the party is in power, which means that the BJP's "accountability has increased."
"These are simply teething problems...but yes, these things can create problems if not addressed...also the BJP has to fight against Naveen babu's legacy...though the BJD lost because of anti-incumbency and fatigue among people, Naveen Babu no doubt is still admired by many," said the senior BJP leader, adding that the party cadre is reaching out to people highlighting the work done by the Majhi government in five months and also comparing it with the work done by the previous regime.
"These are simply teething problems...but yes, these things can create problems if not addressed...also the BJP has to fight against Naveen babu's legacy...though the BJD lost because of anti-incumbency and fatigue among people, Naveen Babu no doubt is still admired by many," said the senior BJP leader, adding that the party cadre is reaching out to people highlighting the work done by the Majhi government in five months and also comparing it with the work done by the previous regime.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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