Bhubaneswar, March 30: In the Kalahandi district, discontent is simmering over the BJD’s choice of candidate for the Bhawanipatna assembly segment.
The ruling BJD has nominated Lalita Naik as its candidate for the Bhawanipatna assembly seat. However, several aspirants within the BJD are openly opposing her candidature.
Recently, hundreds of women from self-help groups have taken to the streets in Kalahandi. They are demonstrating against Lalita Nayak’s candidature from Bhabanipatna in the upcoming election.
They demand to change the candidate and give the party ticket to a fresh face.
The protesters allege that Lalita Naik, wife of Ex-Congress MLA Dusmant Naik, served as the chairperson of the Bhabanipatna Municipality. During her tenure, they claim that no significant development work was carried out in Bhawanipatna.
Interestingly, her husband, Dusmant Naik, was elected as the Congress nominee from the Bhawanipatna assembly segment in 2014. However, even he failed to make a noticeable impact in terms of development.
The SHG women are calling for a change in the BJD’s candidate for Bhawanipatna. Led by Chhayakant Khamari, they are urging the BJD high command to reconsider their choice.
The political landscape in Bhabanipatna remains charged as the election approaches. The outcome will determine whether Lalita Naik’s candidature prevails or if a new face emerges as BJD nominee in the ensuing election.
