Bhubaneswar, March 27: The politics in the Nilgiri assembly segment of Balasore district is currently witnessing significant changes. There are developments surrounding Sukanta Nayak, the sitting BJP MLA, and his move to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
It is said that Nayak has been in contact with BJD leaders in Bhubaneswar, fueling speculation that he might switch over to BJD soon. However, Nayak himself has not clarifed his position yet
Notably, before the 2019 elections, veteran BJP leader Pratap Sarangi caused a stir by inducting BJD MLA Nayak into the BJP. Despite this surprising move, Sukanta emerged victorious as a BJP MLA in 2019, winning by a slender margin of 1577 votes. Prior to that, he had been elected as the BJD nominee from Nilgiri in the 2014 election.
If Sukanta rejoins the BJD, it could change the political equation in Nilagiri constituency for the ensuing election. The last time, BJD candidate Santosh Khatua, who was formerly associated with the BJP, might also consider switching allegiance.
If BJD nominates Sukanta as the party candidate in the upcoming election, it could reshape the political scenario in Nilagiri.
Santosh Khatua, who has played a pivotal role in the BJD organization for five years, may contest as an independent candidate, hold the reins for the Congress, or return to the BJP fold.
iIn this complex scenario, the question as to which party’s candidate will emerge victorious from Nilagiri remains uncertain
