Five-Time MLA Maheswar Mohanty Loses Puri Seat

Bhubaneswar: In a shocker for BJD, minister and outgoing Puri MLA Maheswar Mohanty Mohanty has lost the election to BJP’s Jayanta Sarangi.

The five-time MLA lost to his rival by a margin of 3,257 votes.

Speaking to media, Sarangi said that he had taken the fight as a challenge and won it. “My immediate task is to provide relief to the people affected by Cyclone Fani,” he said.

Another BJD heavyweight Sanjay Dasburma (BJD) lost to Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra (BJP) in Bramhagiri Assembly constituency while Makaranda Muduli (Independent) stunned Lal Bihari Himirika (BJD) in Rayagada Assembly constituency.

BJD’s Rabi Narayan Nanda too had to face defeat with Congress’ Tara Prasad Bahinipati retaining the Jeypore assembly seat. Nanda had won the seat thrice in 2009, 2004 and 2000.

Meanwhile, BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been declared winner from Hinjli assembly constituency. He is also leading in Bijepur.