Samikhsya Bureau
Politics keep relegating itself to new lows in this fracas of electioneering. Enemies in the field apart, politicians of the day even do not spare the dead ones. Politics sticks its neck out in a day of condolence for Ved Prakash Agarwal, who died today after a prolonged illness, is not a befitting gesture at the departed soul.
Thereafter, condolences and politics went parallel. Even before late Agarwal’s pyre was doused , Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate for Patkura, Bijoy Mohapatra, has raised a point on the alleged ruthlessness on the part of the BJD for forcing in candidature on an ailing Agarwal, when he was very sick, in fact, for last few months.
Such an allegation could have waited for a day at least.
Other voices have come out in support of Mohapatra’s logic that may have some moral legitimacy but taking up the issue at this juncture sounds bit unfair.
Mohapatra may be correct in saying that, he should not have been pushed into the fray in that condition if there were alternate options for the BJD.
Politically speaking, Agarwal’s sudden demise has not only postponed the Patakura poll but, the hiatus may dampen the poll climate their affecting Mohapatra’s fortune.
First, riding on the crest of a Modi wave Mohapatara must have hoped to breast the victory ribbon after four consecutive defeats in a row. However, the polling after some time may bring in the elements of uncertainties. If it is after the results then that makes things more difficult for Mohapatra.
In case the BJD comes to power in Odisha, the problem for Mohapatra may be really an up-hill task because the BJD would, in that case, fire from all its cylinders to see Mohapatra suffers his political Waterloo.
A defeat would not alone affect him personally and politically but, he may again be a sulking soul in the saffron camp.
