Cabinet Reshuffle: Will Naveen Patnaik Pick A Deputy CM For The First Time?

Bhubaneswar: Will Odisha Chief Minister spring a surprise and induct someone as Deputy CM? This is being widely discussed in the political circles even as BJD organisational secretary and Jajpur MLA Pranab Prakash Das’ name for the coveted number 2 job is doing the rounds.

While neither Naveen nor anyone in the ruling dispensation has thus spelt anything clearly on this issue, BJD sources said a powerful faction within the regional party is of the opinion that Jajpur legislator Pranab Prakash aka Bobby needs a ‘position of authority’ to call the shots in the party and by extension the government.

“No one can deny his hard work and contribution in ensuring the party’s overwhelming victories in the recent three-tier panchayat and municipal polls. However, his influence within the government is hampered as he doesn’t hold any post. If he is given a good position, preferably deputy CM, then he can possibly deliver more,” noted a party leader, known to be a staunch loyalist of Pranab.

On the contrary, there are leaders within the BJD who believe Pranab joining the government will dilute his position in the party and might affect the organisation. “He has proved himself to be an asset to the party’s organisation. If he gets a position in the government, his focus on the organisation will understandably get reduced and the party can ill afford it ahead of 2024 elections,” a senior party MLA pointed out.

There are also others in the ruling party who think that Pranab getting an elevated position in the government might give credence to the talk that Naveen is not able to take the full load of governance. For the record, Naveen has never in his 22 years as CM made anyone from his party deputy CM.

Given the different views doing the rounds and the possibility of a deputy CM influencing the power dynamics in the government, especially the CMO, all eyes are on Naveen. Whether he will play it safe or as is his wont attempt yet another masterstroke?