No National Party Will Get A Majority

NAVEEN NIWAS IN Bhubaneswar was a sea of humanity in the evening when THE WEEK team reached there.

- R. Prasannan

Thousands had come from Puri to join the Biju Janata Dal, and were being admitted in groups to have a glimpse of Naveen Patnaik.

The chief minister had had a hectic day. After having addressed a few election meetings, he had returned to Bhubaneswar and then gone to the party office to release the manifesto, where he made a brief speech.

THE WEEK found him sitting with a copy of the manifesto at his famous dining table, around which he holds his political and official consultations. His face was suntanned, and voice a bit gruff after the strain of a mid-summer election campaign. He smiled when we reminded him that he had addressed THE WEEK's annual conference in 2017 at Bhubaneswar. Excerpts from the interview:

You have been winning elections and ruling Odisha for two decades. You are now seeking a fifth term. What would you attribute the success to?

All throughout, we have kept people at the forefront of our governance. That conveys it all. My only vested interest is the people of Odisha.

What will be your priority in the fifth term?

Development, progress and welfare of the people.

How do you see your party's prospects now?

I am hopeful of a handsome victory.

What has been the secret of your success? Is it the legacy of your illustrious father, your own charisma, or the good governance?

I would say it is a combination of all. The respect [that] people have for Biju babu... the love and affection our people [have for him]... and our good governance.

Looking back, how much do you owe to the legacy of your father?

Biju babu is a phenomenon. One cannot quantify.

You are known to be a reserved person. You are not fluent in Odia. How do you communicate with the masses?

People understand me and I understand them.