Bhubaneswar, April 9 : The Bhubaneswar-Ekamra Assembly constituency has long been a stronghold for BJD leader and minister Ashok Chandra Panda, who has successfully held the seat for the past three terms. However, this time, a fierce fight awaits Panda as he strives to secure victory for the fourth consecutive term.
While Panda previously had won the seat in the past three terms with a comfortable margin, several challenges have surfaced this year.
Biranchi Mahasupakar, a four-time corporator and BJD leader, has decided to contest as an independent candidate after being denied a BJD ticket Intensification of his campaign poses a risk of splitting the party’s votes in the constituency.
The BJP, represented by Babu Singh, has consistently increased its vote share in the constituency. From 13.19% in 2009, it now stands at approximately 35% as of the 2019 elections.
Despite these challenges, Ashok Panda remains confident. He believes that the people of the constituency appreciate the development work carried out by the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government.
The impact of Independent candidates remains a crucial factor in this contest, and the battle for Bhubaneswar-Ekamra promises to be closely watched.
