BJD Fields Abanti Das As Candidate For Dhamnagar By-Poll

Bhubaneswar: Ending all speculations, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday announced Tihidi Block Chairperson Abanti Das as its candidate for the upcoming Dhamnagar bye-election.

The announcement was made following the candidature approval of BJD president Naveen Patnaik.

Abanti Das has long grassroots experience as she was actively involved in Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Speaking in this regard, senior BJD legislator, Pranab Prakash Das said,” Collective decision is the strength of Biju Janata Dal. I thank Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik for giving an opportunity to a mother in Dhamnagar by-elections and promoting the slogan of women empowerment. I strongly believe that support of Dhamnagar people with party candidate Avanti Das.”

Earlier in the day, the opposition Congress announced Baba Harekrushna Sethi as its candidate.

While BJP candidate Suryavanshi Suraj Sthitaprajna filed his nomination on Tuesday for the Dhamnangar by-poll scheduled to be held on November 3, the State’s ruling party-BJD is yet to announce its candidate.

The bypoll will be held on November 3 (Thursday). The counting of votes will take place on November 6 (Sunday).

The seat of Dhamnagar is lying vacant since September 19 following the demise of BJP MLA Bishnu Charan Sethi, who passed away while undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar.