Kendrapara, Nov 6: Former minister and veteran BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra is going to contest the 2024 election from Mahakalpada Assembly constituency of Kendrapara district as indicated from his statement during media query on Sunday after attending a friends’ reunion programme.
While avoiding media querry about his candidature from Mahakalpada, Mohapatra said he holds equal emotion for Mahakalpada and Patkura. “Stands of both ruling party and the Opposition are not clear yet. The clear picture will come to fore after December. However, your love indicates for formation of a new Mahakalpada. We will vow to save Mahakalpada. Make a new roadmap for own area,” said Mohapatra attending the reunion programme in the premises of Ghanteswar Shiv Shrine under Mahakalpada block.
The clear picture of state and national politics will come after results of assembly elections in five states on December 3. You have to wait till that, he advised media persons in a bid to keep his political strategy a secret.
Though 200 people were invited to the reunion event, over 800 friends of Mohapatra joined the programme to have a discussion with him. But, no political discussion was held.
Notably, speculations are rife over 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 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.
Bijoy’s supporters and well-wishers are lobbying for his candidature from Mahakalpada. They met Mohaptra on October 15 and had a discussion with him.
After quitting BJD, Bijoy had fought from Patkura in 2004, from Mahakalpada in 2009 and 2014 and further contested from Patkura in 2019 but faced defeats.
