Odisha Elections 2024: BJD Champua MLA Candidate Sanatan Mahakud Faces People’s Ire, Gifted Garland Of Footwear

Keonjhar: In what is seen as an embarrassment for the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), its Champua Assembly candidate Sanatan Mahakud was allegedly made to wear a footwear garland by residents of Mirigisingha village in Odisha’s Keonjhar recently.

Mahakud, popularly known as the king-maker in mineral-rich Keonjhar, faced resistance from people during his visit to Mirigisingha village under Champua Assembly constituency on Tuesday evening. People alleged that the promises that he had made earlier were not fulfilled.

While Mahakud was engaged in a conversation with people, a resident emerged from the crowd and put a garland made of footwear around his neck. His supporters immediately removed the garland and caught hold of the protester. Mahakud left the village soon after.

Mahakud, a well-known political face in Keonjhar, had contested from Champua as an independent candidate in 2014 and won the elections. But instead of contesting the 2019 elections, he supported the BJD candidate, reportedly nominated on his recommendation.

According to sources in the village, during his visit to the village in 2019 to support BJD candidate Minakshi Mahanta, Mahakud had made many promises including construction of houses in the village. But the promises were never fulfilled. When Mahakud visited the village recently, he assured the residents that the work would be done after the elections. But angry residents kept questioning him and told him never to visit the village again.