I’m back home and in politics too, says JB

BHUBANESWAR: Former chief minister J B Patnaik returned home after completing his five-year term as governor of Assam on Thursday to a rousing welcome by Congress workers, which sparked speculation about the possibility of his return to active politics.
Adding to the suspense about his future role, J B Patnaik , soon after his return, said, "I was in politics.I will be in politics."
Asked if he has drawn any timeline for his new innings in politics, the 87-year-old leader told TOI, "I have just returned. I will study the political situation in the state for some time. I have lots of other things to do. My library is in bad shape. So is my farm at Rameswar, my native village. I am also writing a book in Odia on Assam."
Aware of infighting in the state Congress, J B Patnaik said his party was not strong enough to take on the rivals. "There is a lot to do to enable Congress to regain the confidence of the people. My age may not permit me to run around much, but if the high command wants, I can give my best for the revival of the party," he said, adding, "It is time for creating a positive atmosphere so that the party can move ahead united."
J B Patnaik, who headed the state Congress four times, was critical of the Naveen Patnaik government. He said, "What has happened in the last 15 years? Odisha is going down. Signing MoUs does not mean economic progress. One may get votes by distributing money, but that does not benefit the state."
A number of Congress leaders, allegedly marginalized under the present leadership, were jubilant at JB's return. One of them, Suresh Routray, said, "The Naveen Patnaik government is thoroughly corrupt and Congress is too week to counter it. J B Patnaik's return will give new life to the party."
Former minister Ganeswar Behera added, "J B Patnaik will end the crisis in the party. Sitakanta Mohapatra described the veteran leader as "the guardian of Congress with the ability to make it a united force."
In stark contrast, when J B Patnaik accepted his gubernatorial assignment, many had seen it as the end of his political career. Some even said his age would come in his way of returning to active politics.