Bhubaneswar: Two women died, as many fighting for life and a host of others taken ill eating mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal district on November 1. The Government ordered a Revenue Divisional Commissioner level probe into the episode immediately. District administrations were asked to take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such episodes. But the Opposition – Biju Janata Dal—appeared to have gone into a deep slumber when all these things were happening. It woke up after nearly a week to give its reaction on the incident through a video statement of former Chief Minister and Party supremo Naveen Patnaik.
Naveen read from a written statement. He fumbled about the name of the place where the incident took place. As usual he was given a script perhaps written in Roman. This was the most pitiable sight. It is another thing that Naveen Patnaik never intended to learn the language of the state he led in 24 years while people from other states come to settle down and pick up the language and rather master it. We all know this has cost the former chief minister and the party really dear in the 2024 elections.
But the more sordid affair was that despite having 51 members in the State Assembly—a really a strong opposition—the party took eight days to react on the mango kernel issue. Naveen had formed a ‘Shadow Cabinet’ to counter the government on people-centric issue. That Cabinet and the in-charge minister Niranjan Pujari too was not to be seen anywhere when all the action was taking place.
The people of the state were aghast to learn that those they elected have become so vile politically. They deserve not only a strong government or opposition but responsible ones. The reaction of the BJD has stunned the people. They say the BJD leaders are either complacent or have become insensitive to issues of human interest because of their long stint with power. Odisha needs not only a sensitive government but a sensitive opposition too. Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister for five terms too need to act in situations promptly when it involves the future of the State and its people.
