May 2nd 2024.
Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, BJD president and Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, took a significant step in the upcoming elections by filing his nomination papers for the Kantabanji assembly segment. This comes just two days after he filed his papers for his traditional seat, Hinjili, in Ganjam district.
Upon reaching Tushra Airstrip, Patnaik led a grand procession to the sub-collector's office in Titlagarh, where he officially submitted his nomination in the presence of BJD leader, AU Singhdeo, and party leader, VK Pandian. Kantabanji was chosen as Patnaik's second seat due to its strategic location and connection to three Lok Sabha seats - Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Bargarh. In the 2019 elections, these three seats were won by the opposition BJP.
According to BJD insiders, Patnaik's decision to contest from Kantabanji is expected to have a significant impact on the party's presence in the region, particularly in Bolangir district. The Kantabanji seat was previously won by Congress candidate, SS Saluja. In the 2019 elections, Patnaik had also contested from two seats - Bijepur and Hinjili - and emerged victorious in both. However, he later chose to retain the Hinjili seat and resigned from the Bijepur assembly segment.
This move by Patnaik has sparked a buzz in the political landscape of Odisha, with many eagerly waiting to see the outcome of the upcoming elections. The BJD leader's decision to contest from two seats showcases his determination and strong foothold in the state. As the elections draw closer, all eyes will be on Kantabanji and its potential impact on the BJD's position in the western region of Odisha.
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