BJD shifts focus to Tirtol, Balasore Sadar byelections

BHUBANESWAR: With completion of the monsoon session of the assembly, the ruling BJD has now shifted its focus to the two by-elections in Balasore Sadar and Tirtol assembly constituencies scheduled on November 3.
Though Tirtol is considered a traditional BJD stronghold, the ruling party seems to be more concerned to bag the Balasore Sadar seat that had gone to BJP in the last assembly elections. The BJP is also trying hard to retain the Balasore Sadar seat in the by-election as it is the bastion of Union minister Pratap Sarangi.
The BJD on Wednesday held a maha misrana (grand joining) programme to welcome Arun Dey, a five-time MLA from Balasore and his supporters, which the party called a show of strength.
BJD sources said many senior leaders are expected to camp in Balasore Sadar and Tirtol constituencies to oversee the party’s strategy in the by-elections.
Though BJD is yet to announce any committee for the two by-elections, sources said housing and urban development minister Pratap Jena, senior leaders Debi Prasad Mishra and Pratap Keshari Deb will oversee BJD’s electioneering while in Tirtol, deputy chairman of state planning board Sanjay Das Burma, water resources minister Raghunandan Das and senior leader Debashish Samantaray will be the party’s in-charge.
Senior leaders apart, the BJD has planned to rope in at least 10 MLAs each in Balasore Sadar and Tirtol constituencies. The MLAs will be in-charge of the campaign at the panchayat level.
“We are fully prepared for the by-elections. A number of supporters of former MLA Arun Dey joined BJD which will further strengthen the party. Since by-elections are being conducted amid Covid-19 restrictions, we will adhere to all guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India,” said Jena.
On candidate selection, senior leaders said the decision will be taken by party president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik at an appropriate time even as a list of aspirants for BJD ticket is long. Since November 16 is the last date of filing the nomination papers, BJD sources said party would announce its candidate after October 12. Even as local reports suggest massive infighting in the ruling BJD, which could dent the party’s prospects, senior leaders said they are confident to bring all sections on board. The BJP and Congress have already announced their teams for the by-elections while senior party leaders frequently visit the constituencies.

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