Suresh Chandra Sarangi
Book Name – Biju Patnaik: The Rainmaker of Opposition Politics
Author – Bhaskar Parichha
Publisher – Rupa Publications
Bhaskar Parichha’s book ‘Biju Patnaik: The Rainmaker of Opposition Politics’ is the portrait of a person written from the viewpoint of a veteran journalist. In his own people, he searches for the sky while still embedded in the earth. An élan-filled book encapsulates the distinguished leader’s life. Born in a privileged milieu, Biju Babu carried the mantle of progressive thought. His meticulous sketch of this tall man is riveting. Biju Babu’s life is a chronicle of courage, determination and fortitude as well as a saga of sacrifice.
An important characteristic of this book is that it represents a soldier in a realistic and not manufactured way. It is the progress of his people and the future of his beloved nation, India that contribute to an interesting narrative for him. In fact, he is the resurgent face of opposition unity, which epitomizes resilience and conviction. The author navigates this statesman’s unparalleled journey, with powerful strategy and critical wit.
The blessed son of Laxminarayan Patnaik, a leader of the Odia Renaissance, exhibited rare courage. The Gandhi incident shows Biju Patnaik’s determination. Bijubabu was blessed to be a bird in the limitless sky. Through his admirable Dakota and the rescue of the Indonesian prime minister, he earned the Bhumiputra award during his honeymoon with jets and aircraft. Sri Parichha depicts Biju Babu’s actions and activities during the Chinese War of 1962 seamlessly. During the Quit India movement, Biju Babu, an ace nationalist, jumped into the fire by joining the Bharat Chhodo Andolan.
Very cryptically, Parichha proclaims in his book that Biju Babu was a leader in heart and a mass leader in that. Under the Kamraj plan, he relinquished the post of chief minister. This was a rare example of sacrifice by a politician, something that is unheard of in present-day politics. In a sense, Biju was the architect of modern Odisha, an industrialist of immense proportions, and founder of the Odisha Textile Mill. By establishing a socialistic society pattern through democratic socialism, Biju Babu envisioned a society based on equity and justice. Parichha carved out a niche for Biju Babu amidst chaotic Indian politics. He says that the Paradip port was Biju Babu’s dream. This impatient politician’s unbridled determination led to the opening of the Odisha port, which became an entry point for India to export and foreign trade.
Biju Babu had his trials and tribulations in politics, but he walked straight, undaunted with the vision of a prosperous Odisha glowing through his eyes. He failed to realize his heroic dream due to political failure, economic downturn, and the emergency era. He would not look back under pressure or anyone who dared to dislodge him from his conviction. Today’s tepid politicians surrender their principles before small personal interests. However, Biju Babu was a mythical cult figure, as described by Parichha in his book, before whom any storm would wither away.
Democracy without dissent is not democracy per se. Throughout the opposition, Biju Babu served as the invincible rock in laying the groundwork for unity and serving as a rainmaker. Some leaders are politicians. But as portrayed in Mr Parichha’s book Biju Babu was a statesman who looked into the future, above party politics. Amidst India’s turbulent politics Bijubabu was the North Star. As a result of his modernistic outlook and futuristic ambition, Odisha, his home state, would witness the same.
Those who read the book of a legend who paved the way for his people would find it interesting. In his inimitable style, Parichha weaves a powerful narrative. It is one of the greatest tributes to an adventurer in Indian politics. It is clear, factual, and organized. He presents Biju Babu as a craftsman whose beautiful journalistic writing is the essence of this remarkable book of despair and hope, conviction and courage.
The reviewer is a former banker and columnist. Views are personal