In a yesteryear movie the protagonist’s life “Tambu was perched on 3 bamboos” but the BJD’s tent or tambu is perched on only one bamboo and that bamboo as any other bamboo of its age is obeying the laws of nature and moving closer to its maker. The Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha will be 77 years of age when he enters the next electoral battlefield to protect his kingdom in 2024.
An aging king with no heir leaves his kingdom in chaos. Odisha may meet with the same fate soon. The fact is definitely not lost on the generals and soldiers of the king’s army. It is only the fear of the King’s wrath and obvious enticement of the riches to be plundered before the King’s slumber breaks which sustains this homogeneity within the breed. Till 2023 the status quo will remain awaiting the nomination of a heir but if it does not come then murmurs will start and the BJP’s human bugs will pick up the noise. What will follow is pure laissez faire.
One can understand the shrewd King not nominating a heir apparent for he doesn’t want any dissent brewing now but he would be well advised that now is the best time for it gives him the time quell it within 36 months. If he keeps behaving like a Dhoni leaving it for last few overs then he might meet the fate of the last world cup.
The performance of the state government is quite dismal in the last 21 years and one cannot expect it to be eradicated in the next 3 either. Yes, the so called poor will not complain. Who complains when your sole duty is just be born and keep giving birth? The rest anyway in this state is free of cost or nearly it. The king siphons money from the industrious of the state and freely distributes it amongst these freeloaders, of course after diverting a substantial portion for his war efforts. But the strength in numbers of the industrious is frugal and their voices weak. The progeny of the industrious prefer to be the white collar labour in other progressive kingdoms or techno-coolies in far off lands only to look back at their motherland with disdain. The offspring of the freeloaders migrate as blue collared labour only to return to secure King’s throne and collect the freeware. Seems an infallible model BUT human beings are never content. Promises of more collectible freeware will sway their allegiance. If the BJP can crack the fort of Mission Shakti then they are well into the kingdom’s garrison.
Covid is unsettling the Emperor, how much leeway will it give a minor king? Lacklustre and lethargic administration of the King is exposing his rear for sneers already, how long before the sneers turn into a bite?
A decaying king, a cloud over the future, possibility of earning the Emperor’s wrath may well sway the Odias to again vote for someone they believe will lead India but that Leader may not be satisfied at that, he will want the King’s head on a platter. ONLY a coalition of the federal forces might save the King his face and land but I am sure he realises that.
Courtesy: Sabyasachi Mishra, Bhubaneswar
