Odisha Elections 2024: Three-Way Family Fight Unfolds In Gunupur

Koraput: Amid the din and bustle of intense campaign for the twin elections in Odisha, Gunupur Assembly seat in Rayagada district which will go to the polls on May 13 is witnessing a fight between three relatives contesting on three different party tickets.

While sitting MLA Raghunath Gamang of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is seeking re-election from the seat, his grandson and Congress nominee Satyajit Gamang is giving him a tough fight. Satyajit’s mother happens to be Raghunath’s daughter.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Trinath Gamang, a nephew of Satyajit, for Gunupur Assembly seat, which falls under Koraput Lok Sabha constituency

In the interesting three-way battle between relatives, BJD candidate Raghunath Gamang is seeking votes on the various development works undertaken by the Naveen Patnaik government like Mission Shakthi aimed at empowering women and special development council for development of tribals.

Confident of retaining the seat, Raghunath says he is seeking votes based on the development work undertaken by the state government in the constituency.

On the other hand, Trinath is banking on the “Modi wave” and strengthening of rural infrastructure through Union government schemes focused on housing, drinking water, and road development under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

Trinath says his priorities include securing Notified Area Council (NAC) status for Padmapur and enhancing irrigation facilities in the area.

Satyajit expressed confidence in putting up a strong fight. In the previous election, Congress secured the second position in this constituency.

“Apart from the Congress manifesto, I aim to bolster healthcare facilities and explore job opportunities for the youth in our area with establishment of agro-based industries,” said Satyajit.

Gunupur Assembly constituency is home to 2, 21,495 voters, including 1,14,762 women, who are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polling on May 13.