Balangir: Sparking curiosity in political circles ahead of elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo visited the house of Congress stalwart and MLA Narasingha Mishra in Balangir and offered Mahaprasad from Puri Jagannath Temple.
The interesting development took place on Sunday when Singhdeo took out a sankirtan procession and reached the residence of Mishra, considered his arch political rival.
As per reports, the former MP offered Mahaprasad to Mishra’s wife and sought her blessings. He also offered Mahaprasad to Mishra’s elder son and spoke to him. However, Narasingha Mishra, who is Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, was reportedly away when the BJD leader visited his house.
With Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections fast approaching, the visit of Singhdeo to Mishra’s house raised eyebrows in political circles. The development was considered significant by many, while others termed it a political stunt ahead of the polls.
Singhdeo, who is the chairperson of the Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) termed the visit as formal. He said the Mahaprasad brought from Puri Jagannath Temple is being distributed to all in the area.
Stating that the people of Balangir had offered rice and betel nuts for the Puri Heritage Corridor Project, he said he is now distributing Mahaprasad among them and seeking blessings from Lord Jagannath to keep the residents of the town happy.
The visit assumes significance as Singhdeo and Mishra are considered traditional rivals in politics. They were recently engaged in a war of words ahead of the upcoming elections. The development has become the talk of the town.
