Bhubaneswar: BJP's Rajya Sabha bypoll candidate Debashish Samantaray filed his nomination on Friday, asserting that more BJD leaders would soon join the saffron party as it offers greater scope for public service. Samantaray led a procession from the state BJP office before submitting his papers to the assembly returning officer in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state BJP president Manmohan Samal, several ministers, and party leaders. The by-election is scheduled for June 18.
Samantaray Expresses Gratitude
“I feel as though I have returned home,” Samantaray told reporters, thanking party leaders and workers for the grand welcome. “I will dedicate myself to whatever responsibility the party assigns and continue to work for the people.” Hinting at further political shifts, he said the BJD was “emptying out” with leaders steadily moving towards the BJP. “More will join us in the coming days as there is greater opportunity here to serve the people,” he added. He also expressed gratitude to party workers for what he described as a “warm and overwhelming reception in the world’s largest democratic party.”
Uncontested Victory Likely
Samantaray is headed towards victory without contest as BJD and Congress are unlikely to field any candidate. The last date of nomination for the bypoll is June 8, while the last date of withdrawal of nomination is June 11.
About the Author
Ashok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau of The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).
