Is Centre playing ‘goodwill’ card to counter Naveen's fame?

Bhubaneswar: After President Ram Nath Kovind nominated sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and Odissi exponent Sonal Mansingh to Rajya Sabha, talks are abuzz that the Centre has played the ‘goodwill’ card to counter BJD’s strategy to promote brand ‘Naveen Patnaik in the State.

The saffron party is attempting to connect with the sentiments of people of the State. Though intra-party fighting and rising corruption has tarnished the image of Naveen Patnaik, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to counter the ruling-BJD’s strategy to promote brand ‘Naveen’

“As the fame of Naveen Patnaik remains intact in different areas, it is impossible for them (BJP) to stand to it. Moreover, Naveen Patnaik has got a place in the hearts of poor people," Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera said.

In his reaction, PCC president Niranjan Patnaik said, “If BJP is taking credit for the nominations, questions being raised on who nominated them- President of India or BJP?.They are making fun of the Constitution.”

Refuting the charges, BJP vice president Samir Mohanty said, “The  PM has raised slogans like ‘Look East’, and the same is being reflected in the act, Doesn't Raghunath Mohapatra and Sonal Mansingh’s nomination make every Odia proud?”

Begging to be different, senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “A new message is emerging that BJP is giving him priority to all those neglected by BJD. An eminent personality neglected by BJD, is getting recognition at the national level.”