Not only in governance, it seems that the BJD will also adopt the 5T model in the elections as well. A blueprint is also ready to promote the 5T model of governance ahead of the crucial 2024 polls. Sources said a roadmap has been prepared during the three-hour marathon meeting held at Naveen Niwas.
Though CM Naveen Patnaik also interacted with the leaders for a short time, it was the 5T Secretary VK Pandian who spoke with the leaders. Sources said that feedback was collected on the impact of the 5T Secretary’s visits to various districts. It is said that elaborate steps are being taken to resolve the grievances collected during the 5T Secretary’s visits.
Barring some, a majority of the BJD leaders praised the 5T Secretary’s visit. Under such circumstances, speculation is rife if there will be political promotion of the 5T Secretary and whether VK Pandian will enter direct politics? It is also being speculated that after whirlwind tours to various districts and doing the groundwork; is the 5T Secretary trying to win the confidence of the BJD leaders?
Amidst such speculations, BJP’s state spokesperson Anil Biswal on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle asked whether CM Naveen returned the leaders by making them stand during the discussion or the discussion was with the 5T Secretary and Naveen only posed for a picture?
These developments have now given fodder to the BJP to train its gun on the Odisha government. Leader of Opposition, Jayanarayan Mishra on Tuesday alleged that the Odisha government is functioning on lease. However, the BJP will vehemently oppose if there is a political launch of one non-Odia Secretary, he said.
"The CM has leased out the government. If BJD is planning for a political launch of the Secretary, we will definitely oppose it. If he (Secretary) wants to join active politics, he should resign first,” Mishra said.
Mishra further questioned, “Where will Odia people go if people from outside get involved in politics. But how far the people of Odisha will accept a person from Tamil Nadu?”
BJP MLA Nauri Nayak questioned under what compulsion the CM is acting on the instructions of his Secretary and the entire thing should be investigated.
“The CM is not being able to do anything or take any decision. It should be investigated what is the compulsion or weakness that is forcing the CM to act on the instructions of the Secretary," said Nayak.
It is being said that at the BJD meeting, discussions were held on conducting the polls as per the 5T model that is applicable to governance in the state. A blueprint has also been prepared to promote the 5T model of governance.
Though a strategy was also finalised for the elections, the focus was given to adequate training of BJD workers. As per plans, the BJD aims to train around 200 cadres in each assembly constituency and intensify its "Ghare Ghare Sankha (Conch in every house) campaign.
BJD MLA Padmanabha Behera said, “CM Naveen Patnaik has instructed the Secretary to review various developmental works. Already the impact is being felt. The active members will be apprised of various things at the training camp.”
On the other hand, Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “No matter how many places the 5T Secretary visits; it will have no impact. Even the BJD members are dissatisfied. The BJD leaders are praising 5T Secretary on the front, but they are speaking other things and criticising him behind his back.”