I do believe in aggressive politics: Upasana Mohapatra

To fit into the shoes of late firebrand Congress leader Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra is a huge task. None other than Mohapatra’s daughter Upasana has come forward to take the responsibility though she debuted in politics by joining BJP. OTV recently caught up with her during the talk-show ‘Khola Katha’ to know how she is planning to keep Lulu’s brand of politics alive and fulfill her father’s dreams. Here are the excerpts…

When your father spent his entire life being a Congress leader, you joined BJP. Why? Was it pre-planned?     

-I joined the party around a year after the demise of my father. So it was never pre-planned. We contemplated on the matter many a times, discussed with the people of Brahmagiri and took the decision. More than the Congress, it's the people who gave identity to my father. Besides, if you suggest BJD, I have seen my father opposing the party many times. But as a leader & a human being, I admire CM Naveen Patnaik a lot.

Did poor show of Congress in Panchayat Election after your father's death made you to join BJP?

-I never expected any sympathy votes. In fact I have seen corruption at that time. I tried to bring them to fore. But the ruling party never let that happen. The BJD leaders tried to win vote banks and are exploiting people in the name of unemployment.                

Whom you think is an apt candidate to become the next Chief Minister of Odisha?

-For me, it's Dharmendra Pradhan

Do you think Brahmagiri will come under the BJP's 'Mission 120'?

-We are trying our best to include Brahmagiri in Mission 120. Bu I am also a firm believer that the ‘Mission 120’ will be successful to a great extent. BJP started from a scratch in Odisha and has so far grown strong. Hence, ‘Mission 120’ in Odisha does not seem to be a big deal.

You are not enlisted for spokesperson post of BJP. Why?

-I am just 21. I am going to sit for my college exams after a few days. I don't think I am eligible to become a Spokesperson for a party at this stage. I am not ready to leave Mumbai as I am yet to graduate.

Will it be a tough task for you to equally manage everything- from executing party's strategies to strengthening its position in Brahmagiri?

-I believe that I can maintain a balance. When I have been able to come so far to this stage, I would continue this in future also.

Lulu Mohapatra believed in aggressive politics.  Do you want to follow your father’s footsteps?

-Yes I do believe in aggressive politics but not in all circumstances. BJD senior leader Damodar Rout and some supporters gave very vulgar comments after I joined BJP. Even recently he gave that 'Anganwadi' comment. I don't expect such vulgarity from a senior leader like him. So later on, I came to terms with the fact that vulgarity is ok for them.

If Lalitendu Mohapatra gets candidature for Brahmagiri, what would be your next plan?    

-See I am not hungry for any seat or post. I would only concentrate on how to materialize the dreams of my father and work for the betterment of the people of Brahmagiri. Not only me, whoever from my family comes to power in Brahmagiri, he or she would work selflessly for Brahmagiri people.