Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress on Friday declared Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra as the party candidate for the by-election to Pipili Assembly constituency.
The bypoll is slated for May 16.
Bishwokeshan was the president Puri District Congress Seva Dal. He is a native of Jharpada village in Delang block.
The grand old party had to pick a new candidate after Ajit Mangaraj died of COVID-19 on April 14. While the party members were keen to field Mangaraj’s wife Bandana, the family refused to enter the fray.
Also Read: Odisha Bypoll: Widow Vs Orphaned Son On Cards In Pipili?
Mangaraj’s death had also led to the postponement of the April 17 by-election. The ECI had decided to hold it on May 13 but pushed the date further to May 16 on Thursday.
The counting of the votes will be held on May 19.
Also Read: Pipili Bypoll Rescheduled Yet Again For This Reason
