By Our Correspondent
BIJEPUR/BHUBANESWAR: The months long speculations about the entry of Arun Patnaik, son Prem Patnaik, elder brother of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik into politics ended on Saturday with BJD boss announcing Rita Sahu, widow of former MLA Subala Sahu as Party’s candidate for October 21 by-polls for Bijepur Assembly segment under the Bargarh Parliamentary segment held by BJP.
After Naveen left Bijepur and kept his traditional seat of Hinjili in southern districts of Ganjam following his win from two Assembly seats in last polls, speculations were rife that Arun may enter into politics and test his political destiny from Bijepur but his uncle turned all speculations and bestowed his faith on Rita Sahu.
Rita was elected as MLA of Bijepur on BJD ticket in February last year following death of her husband in August 2017. She had emerged victorious with a margin of 41,933 votes over her nearest rival and BJP candidate Ashok Panigrahi.
“I am indebted to the people of Bijepur for their affection and regard they have shown to me. Bijepur constituency will be a focus area for welfare and development.” said Patnaik
Earlier on September 25, Congress had named Dillip Kumar Panda as its candidate for the by-poll while BJP yet to announce its candidate.The ruling BJD has already pressed dozen over its Ministers, MPs and MLAs to camp at Bijepur and monitored the campaign.
