Bishnu Sethi Raised Odisha’s Socio-Economic & Political In His Poems; Check His Last Interview

Bhubaneswar: Known for his novel way of highlighting socio-economic and political issues through poems and songs, Bishnu Charan Sethi had not ruled out a tie-up between BJP and BJD in Odisha for 2024 polls, but considered the saffron party as an ocean and the regional outfit as Chilika lake.

The senior BJP leader, who passed away on Monday, had stated in his last interview with Odisha Bytes that his party never craved for votes as its focus has all along been on national interest and people’s welfare.

“BJP workers and leaders have always been working sincerely to establish the party’s principles and values. Values are more important for them than grabbing votes,” he had said while speaking on a wide range of issues.

Dismissing claims that BJP was unable to counter the ruling BJD in Odisha, Sethi said “BJP is like a vast ocean, while BJD can be compared with Chilika lake. BJD has been flourishing on the foundation laid by BJP.”

To a query on a possible BJP-BJD alliance in Odisha for 2024 elections, Sethi did not come out with a direct reply but said the saffron party will do whatever is needed for the interest of the country and the people.

Citing an example, he said it was only in the people’s interest that former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis became Deputy Chief Minister in the western state without any inhibition as BJP is a party with a mission.

Turning to poems, Sethi said that he sought to highlight the plight of the downtrodden and the farmers through many of his creations. In one of his poems, he had also taken a swipe at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the miseries faced by the farmers.

While some of the poems by Sethi were spontaneous, others had to be arranged. Two books of his poem collections have been published.

Remembered by all for his poems, Sethi once drew the attention of many by singing a song on the state Assembly premises to highlight the hardship faced by MLAs, who were unable to get government quarters.

Sethi had also described the journey of President Draupadui Murmu from Rairangpur to Raisina Hill in his poem, got it framed and presented it to President Murmu on the occasion of her swearing-in ceremony.

Watch the interview here: