He was a politician who started his career in media, at a time when social media was strictly fantasy. Yet the news of his death, which came to me on the social media, reminded me of his administration during my growing up days back home. His death marks end of an era, where media has come a long way, but politics is still as murky as ever.
A controversial three term Chief Minister of Odisha, his administration paved the way to another 4 term (still counting) Chief Minister. A learned person in Sanskrit and Odia, a writer of prominence, his tenure institutionalized corruption and nepotism in a state which still languishes at the bottom of the ladder.
A master political manipulator, having a penchant to cling to power by hook or crook, was unceremoniously removed in 1999 and could never make a comeback. Controversies surrounding him which included practice of black magic, innuendos of his alleged escapades published in now defunct magazine, arguably did a great damage to his party but could never dent his ability to stick to power. RIP, J B Patnaik.
A controversial three term Chief Minister of Odisha, his administration paved the way to another 4 term (still counting) Chief Minister. A learned person in Sanskrit and Odia, a writer of prominence, his tenure institutionalized corruption and nepotism in a state which still languishes at the bottom of the ladder.
A master political manipulator, having a penchant to cling to power by hook or crook, was unceremoniously removed in 1999 and could never make a comeback. Controversies surrounding him which included practice of black magic, innuendos of his alleged escapades published in now defunct magazine, arguably did a great damage to his party but could never dent his ability to stick to power. RIP, J B Patnaik.
No comments:
Post a Comment