Bhubaneswar: The political battle over polls has become cynosure of all eyes. Both the ruling BJD and Opposition Congress are busy with fault-finding sessions as the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls are getting nearer.
BJD on Tuesday became critical about the role of Opposition parties especially Congress in Odisha while claiming that the majority of people of the state are with the ruling party.
“With its constructive criticism, Opposition party can play a vital role in shaping up the fate of the state. As you know Opposition is a shadow government,” said Health Minister and BJD leader Damodar Rout while participating in a debate on ‘Can the Opposition parties in Odisha achieve their declared goal in 2014 poll?’ during the OTV’s 4th annual convention ‘Foresight2014′ here.
Meanwhile, Opposition Congress highlighted about the failure of the ruling party in reaching out the people of Odisha.
“The popularity of BJD has definitely gone down which will be reflected in the forthcoming elections,” said Prasad Harichandan, Congress leader at the debate.
BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan advocated in favour of raising the state’s long standing demand such as special category status before the Central government.
“There is nothing wrong if we demand special category status for our state. This is our right,” said Pradhan.
The BJP leader also shown confidence that his party would perform better in forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, he was a bit skeptical about the Assembly election.
Utkal Bharat President Kharavela Swain pulled up both Congress and BJP for not playing their roles as Opposition parties.
“Be it objecting to Pollavaram Project or supporting to special category status demand for Odisha, both the Congress and BJP singing in the same tone as that of BJD. Where are they playing role of Opposition?,” asked Swain.
The state needs a strong proactive leader to change the political scene here, added Swain.
During the next session of the Foresight2014, there was an intense panel discussion between Cine stars and politicians.
Agriculture minister Debi Prasad Mishra left no chance in asserting that his party has fulfilled the aspirations of the people.
“Our party attracts people from different sections of the society including cine stars as our party fulfils the expectations of common man,” said Mishra.
Undoubtedly, cine stars give a mileage to a meeting because of their popularity among masses, added the minister while speaking on the topic ‘Advent of real heroes in politics – Are the successful cine-stars changing the political script in Odisha?’ in the discussion.
Speaking his mind actor Buddhaditya Mohanty said money never a reason for cine stars to enter politics. He also gave instances of the entry of South India actors in politics and their success stories.
“It’s the urge to do something for society which compels cine stars to enter politics,” said Mohanty, adding, however, profession and passion should be given equal time.
Bollywood director Nila Madhav Panda said actor need not to be a politician whereas all politicians are actors. He opined that actors should not turn into political profession.
“There is no law to bar actors from joining politics. Our entry should be seen as a healthy change in the mindset of the society,” concluded Ollywood superstar Anubhav Mohanty.