TV
Two days after the release of the revised biography, 'Naveen Patnaik', written by Ruben Banerjee, the BJD on Monday raised questions about the veracity of the claims made in the book.
BJD leader Arun Sahoo alleged that Banerjee's connection with Patnaik has been tenuous at best, stating, “It has been years since Ruben Banerjee last met or interviewed Naveen Patnaik. The book seems more like a collection of narratives discussed at tea stalls and by the Opposition."
“He (Ruben Banerjee) has written a book on Naveen Patnaik. But, he has neither met nor discussed with him for a long period. He has written those things discussed by the Opposition at different times or at different places of the state by embroidering them, “said Sahoo.
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“The people of Odisha are rejecting and condemning it,” he said adding they (BJD) are also condemning the book.
In a rebuttal, Banerjee clarified his attempts to engage with Patnaik, asserting he received no response to requests for interviews.
“After the declaration of the election results, I sent messages through BJD leaders, expressing my wish to meet him (Naveen Patnaik). But he didn’t respond,” said Banerjee.
“In my lifetime, I have met Naveen Patnaik 300 times. There was such a time that if I didn’t visit Naveen Niwas I would get calls enquiring about my health,” he said.
“Ramachandra Guha has written ‘India After Gandhi’. He wrote it about five-six years ago. Did he meet Gandhiji before writing the book? Will political leaders give certificates to me?” he asked.
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Offering support to Banerjee, BJP MLA Babu Singh said, “BJD activists accepted what Ruben Banerjee said earlier. Now when he has shed light on facts, they have become the words of the ruling party. What he had then said was true and what he is saying today is also true. The BJD workers and leaders should learn to accept.”
One of the most notable revelations in the book is the significant role played by VK Pandian. A chapter intriguingly titled 'The Pandian Puzzle' explores how Pandian rose to prominence within the state’s governance, wielding considerable influence over decision-making processes. Banerjee delves into Pandian’s strategies and how he managed to hold sway in the political corridors.
