Odisha Minister’s Announcement On Change Of BJD Candidate For Assembly Seat Sparks Row In Balasore

Balasore: Odisha Tourism and Culture Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra seems to have triggered a row in political circles in Balasore district by announcing the name of a new candidate of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for Basta Assembly constituency in the next elections.

The Minister reportedly declared the name of Subhasini Jena as BJD candidate for Basta seat while speaking at the regional party’s Jansampark Padyatra.

Sitting BJD MLA from Basta Nityananda Sahoo was absent when Patra stated that Jena, wife of former MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, will lead the party in Basta Assembly constituency in the next election and people of the area will support her.

Patra’s statement, made in the presence of BJD district observer P K Deb, has surprised party workers in the area.

Legislator Sahoo, who was not present at the event, told media that he was unable to attend the meeting because of illness. Voicing surprise over the announcement made by the Minister, the lawmaker said that he has no idea as to why Patra made such announcement. However, there is no reason to be worried as he had full faith in Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, the legislator said.

Stating that he has been active in politics for over 50 years, the Basta MLA said people of the area are also with him and he is hopeful of getting BJD ticket this time also.

Stating that he met the Chief Minister recently, Sahoo said the party president also has good opinion about him and his performance.

However, if the party decides to replace him and field someone else, he will support the candidate nominated by BJD, said Sahoo, adding that he would not regret even if he is denied a BJD ticket in the coming elections.