BJP’s veteran leader Jay Narayan Mishra, who has been elected as the new Sambalpur MLA, is speculated to become the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. In an interview to Orissa POST, Mishra analyses the 2019 elections. Excerpts:
Your first reaction to winning Sambalpur Assembly seat?
It is now a regular affair. I had earlier served as an MLA for 14 years; again, the voters have entrusted me with the task of serving them. The triumph has come as a responsibility which we have to
respect and perform.
Now you have a government at the Centre with more BJP MPs and MLAs in state Assemblies. Has the BJP been able to achieve its dream?
Now we have been able to get only one engine (BJP government at the Centre), other could be drivers of the engine but we have not been able to get the ‘Double Engine’ governments although we talked about that.
What plans you have to ensure that what you do is what other MLAs in Sambalpur could not do?
My first priority would be to give impetus to the projects that are hanging in balance. Many new projects and ideas are needed to develop Sambalpur. There is need for a garbage plant there, a ring road is required there, IIM building work is pending, and drinking water projects and electricity are some of the other areas which need attention. We will try to ensure Sambalpur gets Smart City tag.
BJP is now mulling to appoint you as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.
I do not see much into the speculations. I will accomplish the tasks the party has entrusted on me and fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state. I am ready to serve them. Will try how the party gains confidence and strength in the Assembly.
BJP had claimed to win 120+ Assembly seats, but it failed. Why the target was missed?
Nothing has failed. It was a slogan for the election campaigning. If not 120 seats, we were at No. 2 at 80 seats and won at 23 seats. Around 104 seat target we could have achieved. But some outperformed due to the misuse of administration and other government agencies. With the use of administration, money and muscle power Naveen Patnaik outsmarts Mamata Banerjee. The central leadership has failed to understand Naveen. This has weakened us. Centre failed to understand how notorious Naveen could be. Mamata says more with words but Naveen works more in action by misusing administration.