Sonia pulls up Orissa Chief Minister

Patnaik8217;s first reaction yesterday to the alleged gang rape, which has rocked Orissa, was one of doubt. He raised questions about Anjana8217;s conduct and movements before the rape, which apparently sent Sonia into a tizzy.

The livid Congress president then quickly got in touch with Patnaik and asked him to explain what happened, and why he was being repeatedly accused of having a role in the attacks.

Patnaik was also told, in blunt terms, to write to the Orissa Chief Justice suggesting that a retired High Court judge be asked to inquire into the rape charges. A sitting judge has since been entrusted the task.

However, Patnaik8217;s reputation has already been dented.

Sources say the Orissachief minister has lost Sonia8217;s trust by his actions which are perceived to be anti-women.

The Anjana Mishra case is being specifically cited as a sordid episode. Anjana has been fighting former state Advocate General Indrajit Ray in a molestation case and she has also spoken against Patnaik.

And now comes the alleged gang rape. Patnaik stayed as far back from accusations as ever and 10, Janpath seems to have decided that enough is enough. The remote control8217; was swiftly put in Sonia8217;s hands and it has been there ever since. Also, in a major snub to Patnaik, the chief minister has been practically asked to stay off the finer and more sensitive details of the case.

On paper, Patnaik is seen as in control and that is the way Sonia wants to keep it at the moment. But speculation is rife that this time Patnaik may lose his job in view of the State elections coming up in a little over a year.

An indication of Sonia8217;s mood came from the Congress spokesperson8217;s statements on the issue.

Not once did GirijaVyas say anything in favour of Patnaik today at the press briefing. 8220;We know that this is a serious matter. Several facts will emerge and only a judicial inquiry will reveal the truth. It is better to act promptly,8221; Vyas said when asked about Patnaik8217;s fate.

The chief minister has fallen foul of the party high command in the past too, resulting in his removal as PCC president. He was replaced by Hemananda Biswal.

Another irritant for Sonia is Patnaik8217;s proximity to former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao. The Orissa chief minister was the only Congress leader to send a personal SOS to Rao in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections requesting help for his wife8217;s campaign from Berhampur. Rao spent two days in the constituency which resulted in Jayanti Patnaik squeaking through.

With the Anjana Mishra case taking another sordid turn now, Patnaik8217;s future is doubtful at best.