BJD takes its time to choose the right candidate for the upcoming elections. Paradip’s Political Drama
Gitanjali, who is also the daughter-in-law of the late veteran leader Damodar Rout, took center stage at a public gathering in Kujang recently. She appealed for support to secure the BJD ticket for the Paradip seat.
Sambit has been facing opposition from various groups, prompting party leaders to hold a meeting in Kujang to boost support for him. This meeting is seen as Sambit’s way of showcasing strength to counter dissenters and also to promote his wife Gitanjali as a potential candidate.
Speaking to party workers, Gitanjali said, “I am Damodar Rout’s daughter-in-law and I am dedicated to fulfilling his vision. He worked tirelessly for the development of Paradip, Kujang, and Ersama.”
Gitanjali has a history of active participation in political campaigns. She previously joined her mother-in-law in door-to-door canvassing for Rout senior during his election from this constituency. She also campaigned for her husband in the last Assembly election.
Expressing surprise at the actions of dissident groups, Sambit, the legislator, mentioned the former chairman of Kujang block and former sarpanch, whom he claimed were supported by his father.
“Now these leaders are trying to remove me and are urging the party not to give me a ticket from this seat. It’s unfortunate, but I will respect the decision of the party leader,” said Sambit.
The BJD has already announced candidates for sitting MLA Prasant Muduli from the Jagatsinghpur seat and Ramakant Bhoi from the Tirtol seat. However, the selection process for the Paradip and Balikuda-Ersama seats is still ongoing.
With the election fervor intensifying, dissident leaders from 36 panchayats in the Paradip Assembly constituency seem to be against the Rout family.
Adding to the mix is Arindam Sarkhel’s resignation from the Congress and his wife Monideepa joining the BJD. Monideepa has been given a position within the party, while Arindam, known as Bapi, seems to be eyeing a nomination from Paradip.
Bapi had previously contested from the Paradip Assembly seat as a Congress candidate but lost to Damodar Rout in 2014 and then to Sambit in 2019. After that, he distanced himself from Congress and started his non-political organization ‘Ama Paradip, Ama Pragati’, whose members ran as Independents in both panchayat and urban elections.
