Bobby Das turns BJD’s chankya

Surjit Kumar Dhal, Bhubaneswar, May 23: Even as the ruling BJD surged ahead in Assembly election in Odisha, the counting of which was held on Thursday, a young and dynamic leader of the party has emerged as ‘Chanakya’ of the party.

                The leader from Jajpur constituency—Pranab Prakash Das—has proved his mettle as the strategist and planner of the party to steer it to the fifth consecutive term in State- a rare feat in the electoral history of the country.

                Prabab led the charge right from the beginning, in consultation with the close confidants of the party supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, to plan and execute the strategy in perhaps the most effective manner.

                From candidate selection to assigning constituencies for the Assembly segments, Bobby Bhai involved himself – though always in an unassuming manner. His acumen was noticed during the rural elections two years ago and accordingly he was drafted by the Chief Minister for party affairs after being dropped from the council of Ministers.

                Pranab picked up the candidates, drafted several new faces and boldly removed several old horses of the party while distributing tickets. The result was astounding.

                Bobby Das in the process had incurred the wrath of several leaders in the party who were jealous of him for being close to the BJD supremo.

                Interestingly, Bobby was also not inclined to contest the election this time as he wanted to concentrate more time for party works as it had developed signs of withering.

                It was the dogged determination and unflagging zeal of the young leader that the party achieved the record distinction, say many top leaders of the party.