Bhubaneswar , March, 21: Speculation abounds that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) may nominate former MP Pradeep Majhi for the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat. This decision comes as the incumbent BJD MP from Nabarangpur, Ramesh Majhi, is expected to step aside and contest from an Assembly seat in the district.
In addition to Nabarangpur, the BJD is also focusing on the Koraput Lok Sabha seat. Two prominent names have emerged for this constituency: former MP Jhina Hikaka and his wife, Kaushalya Hikaka. The party aims to wrest the Koraput seat from the Congress. Notably, Kaushalya Hikaka narrowly lost to Congress candidate Saptagiri Ulaka in the 2019 elections by a margin of just over 3,600 votes..
However, the BJD is treading cautiously in Koraput. The Congress has gained ground in the segment with the induction of former chief minister Giridhar Gamang, his wife Hema Gamang, and former MP Jayram Pangi into its fold. The BJD is closely monitoring how Congress manages this situation.
Furthermore, the BJD aims to strengthen its performance in the Assembly elections in Koraput. Out of the seven seats in the region, the party previously secured victories in four: Gunupur (ST), Bissam Katak (ST), Lakshmipur (ST), and Koraput (ST). Meanwhile, Congress emerged victorious in the Jeypore and Pottangi (ST) seats, with an independent candidate winning in Rayagada.
As the electoral landscape unfolds, the BJD is strategically positioning itself to secure both Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in these crucial districts
