Pranab Prakash best suited for Dy CM in Odisha!
Bhubaneswar, July 6 (Surjit Dhal): The question is often asked in Odisha as to who is likely to lead the BJD if Naveen Patnaik decides to call it a day in politics. Though indications are enough to deduce that the BJD supremo is fully fit for several more years, his detractors claim that he is slowing down. The Chief Minister has not only announced about his fitness himself several times, he has proved it through his work also. Naveen has often claimed in public that he is 100 percent fit and there can be no doubt about it. But the Chief Minister cannot do everything himself alone and needs a trusted hand.
In this context one thing comes to mind about his move to reshuffle the party nearly two years ago entrusting a lot of responsibility to young and emerging Pranab Prakash Das who was made the Organisation Secretary of the party. This post is generally believed to be the most important after the President of the party. Several senior leaders of the party at that time were ‘unhappy’ with the move but Naveen ignored everything. Being in politics for over 25 years and a shrewd strategist, Naveen picked the most suitable persons for the post. Age was on Pranab Das alias ‘Bobby Das’ side. At exactly 50 he is matured and understands the nuances of politics—something that is in his genes being the son of a political stalwart and Janata Dal leader late Ashok Das. When Pranab Prakash joined the ruling BJD people had doubts. But he proved his mettle soon and rose higher in political stature.
As always, Das also figured in political murmurs– about being elevated to a position to be on the side of the Chief Minister–during any political or cabinet reshuffles. He was first murmured to become ‘something important’ in the party sidelining several senior leaders of the party who were considered close to the BJD supremo when he quit his post in the Odisha council of ministers before the 2019 Assembly elections to devote time for the party. It was unheard of in Odisha politics at that time as everyone in any party crave for a minister’s post—considered a reward for someone’s loyality for the party. Pranab, a master strategist and shrewd politician, swiftly impressed the Party chief with his hardwork, dedication and loyality securing the victory of 113 candidates in the election.
In the past several years Pranab Prakash Das has proved his mettle and silenced all his critics within the party and outside. He has become virtually indispensable for the party to flourish and stand as a stumbling block for other parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, which rode high during the 2019 Assembly elections with the Modi wave. During the recent reshuffle of Naveen’s council of ministers, Pranab Prakash Das’ name again came to the fore as being tipped to become the Deputy Chief Minister. It was not a misplaced conception. Bobby Bhai was perhaps the most deserving one in the Assembly to become one. It is another thing why he was not made so.
Could this be the jealousy of party men for his proximity with the party chief? If so who are the ones? Why do they not want him to rise that post? These are few questions that none in the party answers. Bobby Das perhaps will be the best choice as he is the only one after people like Sanjay Das Burma to do the legwork for hoisting the party to another level. The BJD now has a few young leaders in the council of ministers. But none has the ability to withstand the pressure the party work exerts. If people close to Bobby Bhai are to be believed, the young Jajpur MLA works for nearly 18 hours a day, travels extensively to strengthen the party, is at the forefront to supervise the Odisha Government’s flagship programmes, meets party leaders regularly to redress problems that dogs the people’s representatives in any area and interacts with officials to take stock of the development pace in the State. His polite behavior, respect for seniors and hard work never goes unnoticed by anyone in the party. Virtually speaking he is lone man in the party to whom everyone looks upon.
Most recently, Bobby Das was available on hand to tackle the party affairs when the Chief Minister was on a foreign tour for 11 days. Bobby Das ensured that the Chief Minister is not embarrassed in any way for lack of proper administrations in his absence.
The most important thing is Das is above any controversy. His relation and rapport with party leades is outstanding.
On Tuesday Naveen deputed his trusted lieutenant to speak to MLAs of all parties to support Droupadi Murmu in the presidential election even as he spoke to Rayagada Independent MLA. Das did speak to Congress Legislature Party leader Narasingha Mishra.
With all these qualities, even party men will agree that Pranab Prakash Das deserves much more than what he has now.
