Defeat in Tirtol, Balasore bypolls has demoralised BJP: BJD MP Sasmit Patra

Bhubaneswar, Dec 12: BJD National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra toady attacked the BJP and said that defeat in recent bypolls at Balasore and Tirtol has demoralised BJP. Reacting on the allegations made by Odisha BJP in-charge Daggubati Purandareswari today, Patra said that it would have been better if she had spoken more on the farmer related issues, particularly hiking the MSP as per the all-party unanimous resolution of 25th March, 2017 in Odisha Assembly, seeking revision of the MSP of paddy from Rs. 1470 to Rs. 2930 per quintal. “Basically she has come to motivate their BJP cadre and leaders after their defeats in both by-election seats of Balasore and Tritol. Especially Balasore loss has demoralized the party completely so she had a tough job on her hands,” said Patra. Commenting on Purandareswari’s allegation of lawlessness in the State, Patra said that BJP in the past had undertaken a series of agitations demanding CBI probe into politician Jayaram Pangi’s role in the murder of Itishree Pradhan. “But once he joined BJP, the party welcomed him and also gave him an election ticket. It seems the Odisha BJP has not apprised her adequately on these shortcomings,” added Patra. Patra also said that Purandareswari has tried her level best to boost the party's confidence by hoodwinking people and talking lies which won't cut ice with people of Odisha.