By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: BJD Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson, Dr Amar Patnaik , Dr Sasmit Patra and Party’s Kendrapara Lok Sabha MP, Anubhav Mohanty have lauded the historic decision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to not hold any public meeting or rallies for the rescheduled Pipili bye polls on May 13.
“Every life is precious and I always consider people of #Odisha as my family members. In this extremely serious #COVID19 situation amidst surge in cases in the country,@bjd_odisha has decided not to hold any public rallies or campaign meetings in Pipili bypoll,”Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted @Naveen_Odisha. In view of the raging pandemic, BJD president Naveen Patnaik said the party would not hold any rallies or campaign meetings in the run-up to the Pipli Assembly by-election.
“We contest elections to serve people. If the campaign has potential to endanger lives, I would earnestly appeal to political parties and the Election Commission to reconsider both the duration and method of campaigning,” Patnaik said.
“Momentous decision indeed by @Naveen_Odisha! Salute my leader for his sagacity & statesmanship! This will lay the foundation for responsible electioneering in times of crises such as the current pandemic in future. When parties self regulate, there would be no need for@ECISVEEP,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Amar Patnaik tweeted @Amar4Odisha.
“Thank you @Naveen_Odisha Sir, for you statesmanship, placing people’s safety above politics. You have epitomized why India considers you its Best CM. That @bjd_odisha
Biju Janata Dal will fight Pipili by-poll without any public meetings/campaigning is a stellar decision by you,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra tweeted @sasmitpatra.
“Naveen Patnaik Sir leads by example. For @bjd_odisha & @Naveen_Odisha Sir, Health & safety of people is more important than anything else. No political rally is above people’s lives. Other political party & leaders must emulate the same. #StatesmanNaveen,” Kendrapara Lok Sabha MP Anubhav Mohanty tweeted @AnubhavMohanty_.
The Election Commission of India issued a fresh notification for the by-election to the Pipili Assembly constituency, which had been countermanded after the demise of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj.
As per the notification, poll will be held on May 13 between 7 am and 6 pm. April 26 is last date for filing of nominations while nominations will be scrutinised on April 27. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29.The counting of votes will occur on May 16 and entire process will be completed before May 18. Meanwhile, speculations continued as to who would be new Congress candidate
