Rourkela: At a time when political weather is gradually getting hotter with elections drawing closer, Mangala Kissan, one of the political heavyweights of Sundargarh district and a former minister, has blown the election bugle, though odds are heavily pitted against him in Rajgangpur. His move has certainly thrown all off the balance. Political observers, his followers, and adversaries alike feel that Mangala may not be the party nominee from the prestigious Rajgangpur constituency this time. Mangala, an associate of late Biju Patnaik, is 76 and, his health is not on his side. These two reasons have made all believe that BJD might think otherwise while deciding candidate for the Rajgangpur seat this time.
However, even his detractors admire Mangala’s indomitable spirit. “He belongs to the Kissan tribe who are known for their fighting spirit. They don’t give up easily,” said one of Mangala’s detractors. Recently Mangala was given a royal welcome at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers’ meet where a large number of party supporters from Kutra, Lathikata, Rajgangpur, and party members of Rajgangpur urban local body were present. He, as usual, urged his followers to put up a strong fight for the seat and wrest it back from Congress. He also gave them the ‘mantra’ for the election and how to execute it. What was more intriguing was the presence of Anil Kissan, his elder son. Everybody was astonished when Anil accompanied his father to the meeting. This was certainly interesting in the backdrop of the rising number of aspirants in the party, and factors against Mangala. One of his critics said, “Why should he be given the ticket when he lost last time and his health is not supporting him.”
However, Anil’s presence was surprising as the discussions revolved around Mangala’s younger son Sunil. This has certainly given an entirely new turn to the rumour mill. When asked, Anil said, “I came here after I got a call to attend the function. I will carry out with dedication whatever duty the party assigns me and also give it a proper conclusion.” He ducked more questions. Meanwhile, Mangala was more politically correct, when he asked whether Anil was his political heir apparent. “Whoever becomes the candidate by our high command Naveen Babu, we will accept him and ensure his victory,” he said.
RAJESH MOHANTY, OP
