BJP likely to field Bhartuhari Mahtab in Cuttack, Sidhant Mohapatra in Kandhamal Lok Sabha seats and Padma Shri Dr Damayanti Besra may contest as a MLA candidate

By Our Correspondent

NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR:  Cuttack’s 6^th times MP Bhartuhari Mahtab, who recently resigned from BJD, on Thursday joined BJP along with Berhampur’s 2 times MP, Odia film actor Sidhant Mohapatra and Padma Shri Damayanti Besra at Party’s National Headquarters’ in New Delhi.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP National general secretary Vinod Tawde , National Vice President, Baijayant Jay Panda , State president Manmohan Samal, were among those present during the joining ceremony.  Mahtab is likely to be BJP’s MP candidate for Cuttack Lok Sabha, from where he has been representing since 1998.

While Mohapatra may be BJP’s candidate for Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat or Party may field any of the left out MLA seats in Ganjam. Dr Besra may also get a MLA ticket.

Of the 21 Lok Sabha seats, BJP has already announced candidates for 18 Lok Sabha seats while  it has not decided on Lok Sabha seats of Cuttack, Kandhamal and Jajpur .