New Delhi, October 10, 2018: Outlook editor Ruben Banerjee author of first political biography of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was in conversation with former BJD Member of Lok Sabha Baijayant “Jay” Panda on Wednesday at the India International Center Annex, Lecture room II. Senior Journalist Rajesh Mohanaptra moderated the conversation.
A number of media persons , senior politicians and persons interested in Odisha affairs were present.
During the conversation Mr Panda faced a volley of questions from regarding the reasons of his strained relation with the Chief Mister. Panda mentioned only about personal causes like CM’s not attending his father’s funeral etc. and failed to mention about any political reason .
He also faced some embarrassing questions for defending his close journalist friend Abhijit Ayar Mitra , who made nasty comments about Odisha, its people, culture and monuments etc.