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The Rediff Interview/ Hemananda Biswal

'We are down but not out'

Sixty-year old Hemananda Biswal began his career as a teacher and till now retains the simplicity and integrity characteristic of a teacher, though by now his political career has spanned more than three decades. During this time he has been a CM , deputy CM and PCC president. Biswal spoke to Bibhuti Mishra before he was sworn in as Orissa's 16th chief minister.

It must have come as a rather unpleasant surprise to you since you have all along maintained that at such a critical juncture there should not be any change of leadership.

What I maintained was that following the two cyclones, Orissa is going through a severe crisis and attending to that is much more important than a change of leadership which could further create an atmosphere of uncertainty.

But it seems your opinion was not heeded?

No, it was not like that. Everything has been amicably settled now and I must thank the high command and the legislators for reposing their faith in me. My first job is to give priority to relief and rehabilitation to the lakhs of cyclone-affected, and give the people of the state credible, correct and active governance.

You are becoming CM after one decade under very similar circumstances as surrounded your earlier stint. What are your apprehensions?

Why should I have any apprehensions?

Because the last time you resigned after the assembly poll when the Congress was virtually wiped out, managing only 10 seats.

We cannot live in the past. I am sure we will put up a better show than what we did in the last Lok Sabha poll when a number of factors worked against us. In fact, we six senior members of the party have resolved to work for the success of the party in the ensuing assembly elections, and without predicting anything let me say we are confident of the Congress's victory.

But the image of the party has surely taken a beating.

No, there are many who believe in us; we are down but not out.

When do you plan to expand your council of ministers?

Very soon, after consultations with the high command. After all, the assembly sits from the 10th of this month.

Do you think there was a conspiracy against Gamang to pull down his government?

No. It is a democratic set-up .Everyone is free to air his views and decide on who should be the leader.

But there was no secret voting and as always it becomes the choice of the high command.

There is nothing wrong in that. We are a disciplined party led by the high command. I was elected unanimously. I don't think there is anything undemocratic about the high command's association with the election of a leader.

What kind of relationship do you foresee with the Centre?

Very cordial, but we will demand the cyclone to be declared a national calamity.

Giridhar Gamang: 'CM's job is not a bed of roses'
The Rediff Interviews

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