Decoding Ashwini Vaishnaw’s all-acceptability

Marvelous performance, not preference helped Vaishnaw get BJD support

By Sudam Patra

Balasore, Feb. 14: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP on Wednesday sprang a surprise as it nominated Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Odisha.

What is more surprising is that the saffron party has once again managed to get support from its arch rival Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to see its candidate through in the elections.

What is the secret behind the BJD is supporting a rival party’s candidate? In fact, ever since he became Union railway minister Mr Vaishnaw has been working relentlessly for development of railways not only in Odisha but also across the states. He changed the railway map of Odisha by expanding the rail network, upgrading many stations, including Bhubaneswar and Balasore, and introducing new trains that among others included Vande Bharat Express.

The BJD found at its wit’s end after the BJP nominated him as its candidate. Ignoring him would have sent a wrong message.

Soon after the BJP announced Vaishnaw as its official candidate, BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued a letter to the media declaring his party’s support to him. In his letter, the CM said the BJD supported the BJP Rajya Sabha nominee for the state’s railways and telecom development.

“Biju Janata Dal will support the candidature of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister, railways, communication and technology for the larger interest of state’s railways and telecom development,” read the CM’s stamen issued in party letterhead.

Ashwini Vaishnaw’s humble behavior and his delivery of services have earned him a good name in the state. His proximity to all the top leaders of the BJP and BJD has always worked in his favour.

A hardworking person as he is, Ashwini has proved himself as a true politician who wants to see Odisha prospers. Going by his performances and rising popularity among masses, the BJD had no other way than supporting him.

Vaishnaw, who gave Rs 10 10,536 crore for Odisha’s railway infrastructure development for the 2024-25 Union Budget has now one more task in hand. He has to ensure that the state get new railway projects and industrial infrastructures to boost the state’s economy. He has already etched history and he needs to adds more chapters of glory and accomplishments to it.