Odisha’s Gopalpur MLA Announces His Support To Presidential Candidate Droupadi Murmu

Bhubaneswar: A day before the visit of NDA’s Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu to Odisha, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi has announced his support to her.

Speaking to media persons on Thursday, Panigrahi said he would vote for Murmu as an Independent MLA. “Murmu is the daughter of Odisha and I have full support for her,” he said.

Panigrahi, who was elected from Gopalpur constituency in Ganjam district on BJD ticket, was suspended from the party following his arrest on charges of forgery and cyber offence in December, 2020.

The legislator further said the people of Odisha will remain indebted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the nomination of Murmu to the highest constitutional post in the country. “No other prime minister has accorded so much respect to Odia people as Modi. It is not only a rare but also historical decision of the prime minister,” he added.

The MLA, who was granted bail in connection with the job fraud case by the Orissa High Court on June 11, 2021, had remained silent for one year. Last month, he announced to return to active politics at a function in Berhampur.

Murmu, who belongs to a tribal community of Mayurbhanj district, is scheduled to visit Odisha to seek support of MLAs and MPs in the Presidential election.