Barsa Swony’s Home Coming Brightens Raghunath’s Blink Political Future!

BHUBANESWAR: The reunion of Rajashree Mohanty with his estranged wife Barsa Swony Choudhury has fueled speculation about the return of former minister Raghunath Mohanty into active politics after three years of hibernation.

Political pundits believe that the dramatic turnaround in the high profile Barsa Swony-Rajashree case would facilitate Raghunath to claim his stake once again in the ruling BJD.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that he may be nominated for Rajya Sabha for which election will be held on June 11. BJD is certain to nominate all three members to the upper house given the brute majority in Odisha Assembly.

 “I am happy that Barsa and Rajashree reunited. But, the decision is in no way connected to politics. Politics and family matters are two different things altogether,” said the former minister.

Even though he refused to link the matter with politics, the meeting of his daughter-in-law Barsa Swony with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gives credence that there is something more than meets the eye.

“It is a welcome move that both have reunited after a prolonged court battle. I wish they may lead a happy life. But after seeing the consequences of events, if you read between the lines, there is a smell of political aspiration of Mohanty,” said a BJD leader of Balasore.

Raghunath Mohanty may not get a Rajya Sabha berth, but the BJD has certainly revoked the suspension order after the incident, and he may be rehabilitated in a crucial post.

Notably, Mohanty had tendered his resignation from Naveen Patnaik’s ministry after his daughter-in-law Barsa levelled dowry torture allegation against his family members in 2013. Mohanty along with his wife and son was arrested following the incident.

 He was also denied party ticket from Basta assembly segment in 2014 elections. He has represented five times in a row since 1990.