People wanting change lacked an option earlier, not anymore: Prakash Mishra

Former Odisha DGP Prakash Mishra is making his electoral debut from the Cuttack LS seat on a BJP ticket. Hemanta Pradhan catches up with him and hears the 63-year-old talk about state government apathy and the people’s desire for change

On his campaigning

Our campaigning is going well. We are getting a lot of support wherever we go. People, especially women, have been attending our campaigning in large numbers. One can easily find an atmosphere of change. I have worked in Cuttack when I was heading the state police force. I have a wide network of people here. People recognize me. I have covered most of the villages and urban areas under my constituency. I feel very positive after getting love and affection from the people.

On issues facing the constituency

A lot of things need to be done for the betterment of the people. Cuttack is a hub of art, culture, sports, medicine, tradition, and trade. But it has been badly neglected over the years. Anybody can see the poor condition of Badambadi bus terminal and it is just a sample of Cuttack’s several problems. Development has completely slowed down in my constituency. Barabati Fort, Gadakhai and other historic places are crying for attention. Proper treatment of waste, drainage problems and urban flooding in Cuttack city are other major issues. In rural pockets, people face irrigation and drinking water problems. Kidney ailments in Baramba and Narsinghpur have created fear among residents. Industrialisation is not upto the mark. Due to lack of cold storages, people cannot store vegetables and are forced to make distress sale. If I get elected, I will solve these issues.

Is your past as Odisha DGP helping you in your political journey?

A lot of people know me. The treatment from the state government towards the end of my career was a talking point in 2014. People still believe that conspiracy was hatched against me to stop me from becoming the CBI director. My previous posting in Cuttack as DGP Odisha had helped me understand the people here more. People know me for my work and it will help me in my political journey too.

Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD has been winning this seat since 1998. Do you think it will change this time?

Resentment is growing against the BJD. It has not done anything remarkable for the constituency during the last two decades. Earlier, the people lacked a viable option, but now the time has changed. BJP will bring change in the area. The whole of Odisha knows that some ruling party leaders from my constituency are involved in chit fund scam. Most of the real beneficiaries do not get benefits of state government schemes. People even allege that workers of ruling party get the benefit by approaching their leaders. So, people have made up their mind to elect a better representative this time.

What prompted you to join politics?

I have seen the BJP leadership in Delhi and their commitment and dedication towards the country. Their way of handling national security and work for the betterment of people attracted me towards politics.

Has politics changed you?

I have not changed after joining politics. I am a humble person and continue to be so.
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