TNI Bureau: He could be down, but certainly not out. The former BJD strategist’s stoic silence is seen as a lull before the storm. If we believe some local media reports, Pyari Mohan Mohapatra will hold a grand rally in Bhubaneswar on October 10 to show his strength.

Some other reports suggest that Pyari Mohapatra’s close aides have secretly started enrolling the members for his upcoming ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch’ or ‘Biju Swabhiman Dal’. Pyari, who was sidelined after the May 29 coup, had earlier hinted at a big political change after October 4.

A seasoned politician like Naveen Patnaik is certainly aware of Pyari Mohan’s secret plans. It is not clear what they are doing to outwit each other. But, the Congress Party has kept a close watch on the political development and may try to fish in the troubled waters.