Odisha Elections 2024: Will BJD Field Surendra Singh Bhoi From Balangir Lok Sabha Seat?

Bhubaneswar: A day after resigning from Congress, former minister Surendra Singh Bhoi on Friday joined the Biju Janta Dal (BJD) at an event organised in Odisha capital.

Bhoi was inducted into the Conch fold at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra and Minister Tukuni Sahu.

He was accompanied by his supporters, who also joined the ruling party on Thursday.

The former Congress stalwart had won the 2009 Assembly elections from Titlagarh Assembly constituency but lost to BJD’s Tukuni Sahu in the subsequent two elections. He had earlier successfully contested from Saintala in 1995 and 2000. He had cited personal reasons for snapping ties with the Congress, his party for last three decades.

Speculation is rife that the BJD may field him from Balangir Lok Sabha seat. The party is yet to announce candidates for Bhadrak, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Berhampur Lok Sabha constituencies.

Also Read: BJP & BJD May Announce 3rd Candidate List For Odisha Elections Today; Bhartruhari & Sidhant Likely To Get Tickets

The BJP has renominated Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo from Balangir, from where she had won in 2019 elections by defeating another Royal scion Kalikesh Singh Deo.

The BJD has fielded Kalikesh from Balangir Assembly seats this time.

The Congress is yet to announce candidates for the upcoming polls in Odisha.