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Is Giridhar Gamang quitting?

Bibhuti Mishra in Bhubaneswar

Is former Orissa chief minister Giridhar Gamang retiring?

The state capital Bhubaneswar is abuzz with rumours that Gamang will quit active politics after the assembly polls and, listen to this, join his troupe that specialises in tribal music and dance!

While Gamang has denied any plans for retirement, he has been making all the noises that are generally associated with a leader ready to hang his Gandhi topi.

Gamang has more or less disappeared from the political landscape of the state and has not been seen in public for a long time. Adding to the rumours of his retirement are his frequent assertions that he has rediscovered his first love - dance and music.

Gamang has also ruled out a role for him in the state politics. He has told friends that he was happy representing Korput in Parliament and that he contested for a seat in state assembly only because he was asked to do so by the high command.

Gamang represented Koraput in Parliament uninterrupted for 27 years.

"I am not a pessimist, but there is a time for retirement in politics," Gamang recently told a friend while revealing that he had received several offers from abroad to perform with his troupe.

Reacting to news reports that moves were afoot to appoint him as the chairman of the campaign committee, Gamang said: "Why now? Just a month back I was found dispensable? I have not heard any such thing and I shall refuse if I am offered the post," he said.

Refusing to be dragged into a discussion on the Congress prospects in the forthcoming elections, Gamang, however, was quick to assert he would meet Sonia Gandhi whenever she visits Orissa as ''she is my leader.''

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