Puri: Putting speculations at rest, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday announced Rudra Pratap Maharathy as its nominee for the forthcoming Pipili byelection. Party president Naveen Patnaik has announced his name for the bypoll.
Rudra is the son of former minister Pradeep Maharathy, whose death necessitated the bypoll. The byelection will be held on April 17.
The names of Pradeep’s wife and daughter were also doing the rounds but the regional party selected Rudra considering his youth appeal, party sources said.
The young leader said he will work hard for the development of Pipili and Delang areas and try his best to fulfill the dreams of his father. “My mother’s blessings are always with me,: said Rudra after the announcement of his candidature.
The BJP has fielded Ashrit Patnaik for the bypoll. Ashrit had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 elections as an Independent and 2019 elections as BJP candidate.
On Friday, Ashrit filed his nomination papers.
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