BJP’s outreach move ahead of Madarihat bypolls
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a 'public outreach' campaign in the Madarihat Assembly segment, as it seeks to retain the seat in an upcoming by-election.
Rebel BJD leader Ashok Panigrahi who had joined the BJP a couple of months ago was rewarded with the party ticket and on Friday he filed his nomination for the Bijepur assembly bypoll. All the senior leaders of the state BJP as well a national general secretary in charge of Odisha, Mr Arun Singh were present during filing of the nomination papers at the Padmapur sub collector office.
BJP state president, Basant Panda, leader of the BJP legislature party wing K V Singh Deo, national secretary Suresh Pujari, MLA Pradeep Purohit and several others were present Panigrahi came in a procession amidst cheers from BJP workers.
The BJP has raised the stakes for the bypoll by describing it as a precursor to the defeat of the BJD in 2019 general elections. It is pertinent to note that the selection of Mr Ashok Panigrhi as the party candidate has not gone down well with long standing party cadre and leaders of the area.
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The district BJP president N Sahu resigned in protest while quiet a few BJP workers have quit the party. After filing his nomination papers, Mr Panigrahi said that the people of the entire Bijepur constituency are with him and they would ensure his victory.
The arrogance of power and goondaism of the BJD will get a fitting reply from the electorate, he added. Panigrahi was in the BJD before he revolted and contested as an Independent candidate in 2014 elections.
The Bijepur assembly seat has been a stronghold of the Congress with Subal Sahu winning it three times in a row. His death necessiated the bypoll which is to be held on 24 February. The ruling BJD has fielded Sahu’s widow Rita Sahu as its candidate and ironically the Congress is yet to decide on its candidate.
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