'There is no Modi wave in Odisha, BJD's prospects bright'

BJD leader in Lok Sabha

Bhartruhari Mahtab

, who is seeking a sixth term as Lok Sabha member from Cuttack, speaks to Sujit Bisoyi on his prospects, BJD’s role in national politics and much more:

The BJP, which banks on Modi wave, has fielded a credible face against you. How tough is the challenge?
I don’t see any Modi wave on the ground. For me, an opponent is an opponent irrespective of his past track records. Let me assure you that the opposition parties are fighting for the second position in Cuttack Lok Sabha seat.

If we discuss state politics, how do you see BJD’s prospects?
Very bright as usual. The party will do well both in Lok Sabha and assembly polls because of the good works done by the state government over the years.

Your leader has been saying that no national alliance will get majority to form government at the Centre. Your take?
In 2014, the BJP gained maximum in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which is not going to be repeated in the forthcoming polls. The grand alliance against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar seems to be formidable. Hence, there is a clear indication that BJP and its allies will get less seats as compared to 2014.

Don’t you think the BJP will gain in Odisha, West Bengal and north-east due to its look-east policy?
The chance of BJP gaining in Odisha is very remote. In 2014, the BJP had also tried to build up the tempo of Modi wave in Odisha but failed miserably. There would be not much difference this time as well.

Do you see BJD playing a key role in government formation at the Centre?
I think our leader (Naveen Patnaik) has categorically said that the BJD will play a key role. We have mentioned in our manifesto that BJD, maintaining equi-distance from BJP and Congress, would extend support to any party that would support Odisha’s legitimate demands.

Can we expect to see some BJD leaders as Union ministers?
Ministerial berth is not our priority. For us, priority is to ensure Odisha getting its legitimate due from Centre. Our priority is timely revision of coal royalty and Centre meeting our demands on issues like Polavaram and Mahanadi.

Your ticket was announced at the last moment. Were you apprehensive of not getting it?
There were many speculations, but I was never in doubt to get the ticket. It is the prerogative of the party president to take a call on someone’s candidature.