On the death anniversary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, a few memories
Law Kumar Mishra
When communal riots broke out in Bhadrak town (Odisha), Atal Bihar Vajpayee ji, as Leader of Opposition, immediately travelled there.
He arrived at Cuttack railway station from Kolkata, accompanied by Vishnukant Shastri and Kailashpati Mishra. Vajpayee ji freshened up and had breakfast in the waiting room of the station, and then sought permission from Odisha government officials to visit the curfew-hit Bhadrak town.
After receiving permission, he proceeded to Bhadrak—the town where the houses and properties of Ramdas Agarwal, long-time party treasurer and Rajya Sabha member, had been damaged in the riots.
Devendra Pradhan, father of current Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and then the state party president, also joined him. Four news agencies and a reporter from an English daily followed in another vehicle.
As soon as their convoy reached the outskirts of Bhadrak, a police jeep overtook them. A young police officer stepped out and told Vajpayee ji: “Only you may go, no other vehicles will be allowed.” Vajpayee ji reminded him that the state Home Secretary had already granted permission, but the officer refused to relent.
The journalists then came forward and introduced themselves. The young officer (who later rose to become the DGP of Odisha) became even stricter, insisting that no media person could enter. Vajpayee ji smiled and said, “It seems you want to hide the facts from the media.” Still, the officer did not agree.
At this, Vajpayee ji opened the car door, stepped out, and declared: “If you do not allow us, I will sit on a dharna right here on the National Highway—it will turn into a big drama.”
This was NH-16, running from Kolkata to Chennai, and Parliament was in session at the time. The media persons warned the officer: “Think what will happen if Vajpayee ji stages a sit-in on the highway—traffic on the NH will halt, the opposition will raise a storm in Parliament, and you will be in deep trouble.”
Finally, the officer gave in with some irritation and granted permission.
Inside the riot-affected localities of Bhadrak, Vajpayee ji visited the house of Ramdas Agarwal and had lunch there. He inquired about the police officer and invited him to join the meal, but the officer declined. In his gentle manner, Vajpayee ji said: “You are still young, just starting your career. Anger and pride will not serve you well in your duty. Please come and join us.”
(The author is a Patna-based journalist having worked as Times of India Correspondent in Odisha)
