Bhubaneswar: A day after announcing plan to contest the Rajya Sabha polls from Odisha as an independent, senior leader Dilip Ray visited the residence of veteran politician Bijoy Mohapatra on Wednesday, sparking fresh speculations in political circles.
Amid intense political activity in the state ahead of the biennial elections. Ray also spoke to Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das over phone and sought the support of his party.
During his visit to Bijoy Mohapatra’s residence amid Holi celebration, Ray also met Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra, who was recently suspended from Biju Janata Dal (BJD). However, Arvind described it as a courtesy visit, and said it has nothing to do with politics or the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
The Patkura MLA, who is the son of Bijoy Mohapatra, further said that Ray is a father-like figure to him and they have a family-like relationship over a long period of time.
Ray’s visit comes a day after he announced his decision to be in the Rajya Sabha race as an independent candidate, triggering political discussions in the state.
Particularly, his meeting with Arvind Mohapatra has led to speculation in political circles, though the legislator said that no political discussion took place during the interaction. He said Ray visited only to extend Holi greetings owing to their long-standing family relationship.
Arvind described Dilip Ray as a suitable and experienced candidate for the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, PCC chief Bhakta Das made it clear that Congress will not support Ray in the upcoming biennial elections as it is already backing common candidate Datteswar Hota.
Moreover, Ray should have made up his mind well in advance if he was keen to get Congress support, he said. “Dilip Ray is a friend of mine. However, friendship will have no role when there are ideological differences. I had told him to make up his mind but he is approaching at the eleventh hour,” the Congress leader said.
