Owner of a Jatra (mobile open theatre) troupe, Panchayati Raj minister, Pradeep Mahrathy is known for his theatrical manners and style of speaking. Asked by journalists to comment on the possible impact of BJP president, Amit Shah’s visits to the state, the strongman from Pipili rolled his eyes and drawled, “Come Shah or anyone else it is not going to make any difference. In Odisha only Naveen Patnaik will rule. Where is the question of lotus sprouting here when there is no water for it to grow?” State BJP president, Basant Panda responded describing Maharathy’s comment as a sign of hubris that would prove counter-productive.
