Kendrapara, Oct 28: Speculations are rife over former minister and veteran BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra’s own candidature after he announced that his son Arbind Mohapatra (Babu) is going to contest the 2024 election, without disclosing the party affiliation.
However, the veteran leader has been mum about his own candidature in 2024.
Babu has attended several meetings in Patkura and Mahakalpada constituencies since the 2023 New Year. Besides, he is fighting for the rights of people under the banner of social outfit, Patkura Swabhiman Manch.His supporters and well-wishers are lobbying for his candidature from Mahakalpada. They met Mohaptra on October 15 and had a discussion with him.
Later, over 200 supporters and well-wishers of Mohapatra Jr gathered at Maa Gojabayani Temple premises and decided to extend all types of support to Mohapatra in Mahakalpada.
After quitting BJD, Bijoy had fought from Patkura in 2004, from Mahakalpada in 2014 and 2019 and further contested from Patkura in 2019 but faced defeat.
The veteran leader has kept his son away from party functions. But Mohapatra Jr has been attending social and cultural events in both Patkura and Mahakalpada constituencies. It has fueled speculation that he may contest independently this time.
Arbind has made it clear that he is going to contest the 2024 election and most probably from Patkura.
