Instability in Orissa s State Politics 1937 71 AD

Abstract

The central purpose of this study is to give a board idea, i.e., cause and nature of political instability reflected in Orissaand#8223;s State Politics from 1937 to 1971. The Congress, most prominent political party of the state had enjoyed peopleand#8223;s clear mandate up to 1957 i.e., the Second Assembly election. In spite of this the Congress Party failed to deliver stable administration in Orissa, because of groupism, and political faction inside the Party; first between Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati and Harekrushna Mahatab, then between the group of Nilakantha Das and Mahtab.The Coalition Government had been made between Congress and Ganatantra parties ,during the second Assembly election, which ruled the state for short duration followed by a Presidential rule in Orissa. It was a matter of woe that in spite of scoring 82 seats in the third Assembly election(1961-1967) by the Congress , there were three chief ministers rule within the period of five years. There were severe allegation of corruption charges against Biju Patnaik,and Biren Mitra. Latter on Khanna Commission was instituted against the duo towards the last part of this period, Sadasiva Tripathy continued as the Chief Minister of Orissa till the fresh election of 1967. The fourth Assembly phase (1967-1971), witnessed a Coalition Ministry in the state between the Swatantra Party and Jana Congress Party of Mahtab.This coalition was also failed to establish a stable administration in the state .Finally, Orissa came under the Presidentsand#8223; rule in 1971.But the ministry of R.N.Singh Deo set up Enquiry Commissions first against Biju and Biren inquired by Khanna Commission ,then against his coalition parterner Harekrushna Mahtab inquired by Mudholkar Commission. This picture clearly visualized ,how instability continued this period. newline