Zero tolerance policy of Naveen

Bhubaneswar, June 5: Is Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik back to his form. Virtually asserting his  Zero tolerance policy towards indiscipline, Naveen on Sunday axed few ministers of his council who were allegedly involved in acts of indiscipline which dented party’s image when he went for reshuffle of his cabinet for the first time on the third year of the fifth term in office in a row.

The chief Minister is considered ‘ruthless’ when it comes to indiscipline or corruption. He has proved it several times earlier, including in the case of one of his closest aides Baijayant Panda over allegations of indiscipline.

He did not even spare his representative in Hinjli—Pradeep Panigrahi—over allegations of corruption and indiscipline act.

He had also not spared Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak in the SUM Hospital fire incident as Nayak was the Health Minister at that time. Nayak had put in his papers after hue and cry in the State after the tragedy.

The sacking of Capt. Dibya Shankar Mishra, Dr Arun Sahoo, Bikram Keshari Arukha and Pratap Jena are glaring examples.

These four ministers of his cabinet, who once boasted about their proximity to the Chief Minister, were alleged to have been dragged into controversies,  including in murder cases.

Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra was embroiled in the Mamita Meher murder case in Kalahandi last year and the opposition had bayed for his scalp. Women organizations across the State had blamed the Chief Minister for ‘providing shelter’ to Mishra and the State had witnessed a slew of protests. Several national women organization too had criticized the Chief Minister for not sacking Mishra from his council more importantly from the Home portfolio he held. The former Airforce pilot, who flew Chhatisgarh Chief Minister for few years before joining politics, have been, however, pleading ‘not guilty’ to the offence.

Dr Arun Sahoo’s name figured in the kidnap and murder of a girl in Nayagarh. It was alleged the main accused in the case was sahoo’s ‘henchman’ and the Minister using his clout prevailed over the police not to get the first information report registered. The issue had stirred unrest in the state and the opposition had criticized the government for not taking any action against the Minister. Notably, Sahoo also came in for a lot of criticism for accompanying the servitors of Lord Jagannath during the Nabakalebar rituals causing huge embarrassment for the government. It was murmured at that time he may face the axe immediately but somehow he survived.

For Forest & Environment Minister Arukha’s name was dragged in the death of a young forest officer in the State. It was alleged that the Minister tried to save one of the accused—a senior forest official, in the case.

Former Housing & Urban Development and Law Minister Pratap Jena was alleged to have been involved in the murder of two BJP leaders in Mahanga nearly a year ago.

One thing is certain. Naveen rewards young, dynamic and men of integrity. His advisors ensure ground level feedback for the Chief Minister. The present Secretary to Chief Minister VK Pandian is virtually in personal contact with the people and gathers informations about governance.

Surjit Dhal