Bhubaneswar, Odisha : BJD key candidate joins BJP Nuapada, dramatically changing the political scenario ahead of the upcoming bypoll. Jay Dholkia’s entry into BJP has energized the Lotus party while creating a vacuum for BJD, forcing it to carefully select a people-friendly candidate to retain voter support in the district.
While Jay’s joining dilute the political equation it has become a matter of concern for BJD to select candidate who will connect like youth, farmers, tribal community and migrant workers to retain the seat.As it will be a battle of prestige both BJD and BJP is closely working with special Strategy.
The conch party, BJD, has been enjoying power in Nuapada for over a decade because of late Rajendra Dholkia’s popularity.
With Jay Dholkia’s joining in Lotus party,BJD likely to loose the emotional connect in Nuapada.
All eyes on Bjd’s candidate,who will be able to save the image of party as like late Rajendra Dholkia. Though there are several names for possible candidates BJD may pick as the successor of Dholkia from his family who may connect and contest with sympathy to counter Jay’s strategy.
Prasanna Padhee, who was an aspirant from BJP, is likely to join BJD soon. After Jay Dholkia joined BJP, Mr. Padhee is being prepared to quit the Lotus camp and join BJD. As per sources, BJD supremo has called Mr. Padhee to Bhubaneswar. The party may be making a plan with Padhee to tackle BJP.
On the other hand, since Nuapada is a tribal dominated district, BJD may choose a prominent tribal leader to retain the seat. As per information, Komana block former chairman and former BJD district President Manoj Mishra is in discussion for the candidate. He has a strong hold in Komana and other parts of the district. This helps to connect with voters.
Similarly, Tareswari Sahu, currently holding the Nuapada block chairman post, is in the race. As a woman candidate belonging to the Sahu Samaj, she is playing a key role for the ticket. As per reports, more than 40 thousand voters of Sahu Samaj play a vital role in the election. Keeping this in mind, the party may pick Tareswari to attract women voters and address local issues.
Rajesh Nigam, youth leader of BJD and district president of Biju Yuva Janata Dal, is also in the race. To provide strong youth leadership to Nuapada, BJD may select Rajesh for the bypoll. The BJD core team will gather views from the ground before selecting a candidate.
