BHUBANESWAR: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Tuesday took part in a roadshow that criss-crossed several parts of Pipili constituency where the byelection will be held on Saturday. The BJP has fielded Ashrit Pattanayak in the bypoll which was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy.
Addressing the people, Dharmendra sought votes for the BJP to regain peace in the area marred by incidents of violence. Reminding the people that Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in Pipili for eight days in 1938, the Union minister said the same should encourage the people in the area to bring back peace. “There is no peace in Pipili for the last 40 years. I appeal all to vote for the BJP and begin a new chapter here,” Dharmendra said.
The bypoll is witnessing a keen contest between BJD’s Rudra Pratap Maharathy, son of Pradeep, and Ashirt.
Addressing a news conference here, BJP state president Samir Mohanty questioned chief minister Naveen Patnaik on issues relating to Pipili. Pointing out Naveen’s assurance to the people on Monday that he would personally take care of development of the area, Samir said the chief minister should answer who had been taking care of the constituency so far.
Countering the BJP, BJD spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra said the saffron party is frustrated with its continuous defeat in elections in Odisha.
“The BJP seems to have realised its imminent defeat in the Pipili bypoll. When the party has failed to win people’s hearts, it’s trying to occupy media space by raising absurd issues,” Sasmit said, adding that it is the BJP which had resorted to violence and distribution of cash to lure voters.