Rabindra Kumar Jena has emerged as a formidable political potentate in the coastal political chessboard of Odisha. Cool, calm, poised and a man of few words, he believes more in practical and pragmatic approach in translating ideas into works than delivering rabble-rousing rhetoric. Today, Jena wields a considerable influence among the seven Assembly segments of the Balasore Parliamentary constituency, making his political rivals imperceptible. A trusted lieutenant of Naveen Patnaik, Jena opened his innings to the Lok Sabha by humbling his nearest BJP rival Pratap Sarangi in the 2014 general elections. A mechanical engineer by education with MBA Finance, he joined a ferroalloys company in Baleswar and turned it into a leading profit-making firm from a loss-making one. He has added a feather unto his cap by heading a ferroalloys plant in Europe. A social activist with his unflinching concern for societal issues and commitment to environmental protection, he has brought him encomiums and laurels from many institutions of repute. To name a few among them are Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award by Rajiv Gandhi Forum, Odisha; Utkal Samman 2004; Arch of Excellence (Business) Award 2004; Gem of India Award 2004; Maharaja Sri Ramchandra Bhanjdeo Award; Industrial Promotion in the State Award 2005 by Governor of Odisha; Rajiv Gandhi Rastriya Ekta Samman 2005, New Delhi; State Level Excellence Award 2005 by Chief Minister; Bhartiya Vikas Ratan Award 2007; Bharat Gourav Award by Institute of Economic Studies 2008; Award of Excellence by Governor of Odisha for Highest Relief Distribution during flood in Baleswar district 2008; Pride of the Nation Award 2008; Think Odisha Leadership Award 2010 for Best Education Support by Governor of Odisha; Best Citizens of India Award 2010. Prior to being elected as an MP, he had accompanied President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil in a delegation to Switzerland and Austria in 2011. He has an enviable record of putting highest number of questions and participating in parliamentary debates although he is a first-timer to the Lok Sabha. He believes that the BJD’s victory in 2019 election is a foregone conclusion since party supremo Naveen Patnaik’s image has not suffered from any erosion despite the efforts of opposition parties. In an interview to The Pioneer, Jena spoke to Sugyan Choudhury on the developmental agenda relating to Baleswar district.
Would you please enumerate your developmental works during your tenure as MP for Baleswar district?
You see, development is a continuous process and takes time to take the final shape. But my efforts have been oriented towards developments that are both comprehensive and sustainable. I have been pursuing with the Central Government for many projects that would be complementary to our district in sectors like marine food processing, revival of a salt factory, setting up an Institute of Eminence, Baleswar railway division, etc. But it seems the Centre is not serious enough for development of Baleswar despite the place putting itself prominently on the world map. Despite the apathy, we have been able to persuade the Centre for four railway bridges in the district, two at Baleswsar and two at Jaleswar. Since Independence, the district had only three ROBs before that. I was able to convince the External Affairs Minister for a Passport Seva Kendra that opened in the Baleswar Head Post Office. The State Government under the stewardship of CM has been kind to consider our many demands and the fund flow to the district has increased manifold to take care of the development projects. After languishing for years for procedural delays, a Rs 3,000-crore Subarnarekha Port is seeing the light today, which will change the whole dynamics of the district’s economy and employment scenario. We have a Pejagala project which will solve the woes of people of entire north Baleswar during rainy seasons. We have a Rs 350-crore Bankatira barrage project which is one of the biggest irrigation schemes, the work of which will start soon. A ring road project around the Baleswar town is underway which will ease the traffic woes of the increasing number of town residents as well as act as a barrier for floodwaters entering into city limits. We are shifting the district jail to outside of city area and the vacated space will be utilised for civic amenities that our town lacks over the years. We have infrastructure projects like roads, buildings, bridges, etc., for a sum of about Rs 1,400 crores in these four years.
What are the further plans on your agenda for a holistic development of the district if you are elected again?
I am pursuing for a mega industry in the district as industrial exposure always gives rise to economic prosperity and employment opportunities to our highly educated young mass. With both Subarnrekha a nd Dhamra Ports on either side of the district and rail and road connectivity, I am hopeful of attracting investors for the district soon.
It is alleged that Baleswar’s tourism scenario is not that developed due to governmental apathy. What could be your remedial measures in the days ahead?
I agree that the potential of the district in tourism has not been exploited to its full as it should be. Baleswar has a plethora of beautiful tourist attractions starting from Chandipur to Bhusandeswar. With about a 85-km coastline, the district has many beautiful and serene beaches. I have proposed a tourism circuit to the Government of India from Panchulingeswar to Bhusandeswar so that we create more tourism infrastructures and locals get livelihood support there.
What are the chances of your party coming to power again in 2019?
People of Odisha have reposed their faith and trust on our Honourable CM time and again for last 18 years for his people-centric, pro-poor initiatives and inclusiveness of all schemes; and I am sure they will do the same in 2019 also.
What’s your take on the talk of Amit Shah's claim in securing 120+ members in Odisha Assembly in the 2019 elections?
It’s always good to boost the morale of the party workers with some pep talks; and it must be that when you are referring to this 120 thing. But realistically speaking, it seems a distant dream.
How do you rate yourself as a first-time Parliamentarian?
I have been honest to my responsibilities that Naveen Patnaik has provided me; and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve my people better and raise their voice at an appropriate legislative forum. I have been selected as one of the best performing MPs by the people in various surveys and this has given rise to my perception that I must be doing something good for them for last four years as their representative.
