Indus Valley Times

By Amar Barik

Bhadrak. 17: As people curiously watch political developments ahead of the by-poll for the Odisha’s Dhamnagar assembly constituency, the star campaigners’ list of disgruntled BJD leader and former Dhamnagar legislator Rajendra Das is doing the rounds on various social media platforms.

Das, a former MLA, has filed nomination as an independent candidate after he was denied ticket by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

While Das’ father and mother names are on the top position of the viral campaigner list, elderly persons, “uncles” and “aunties” are in the second and third position.

Similarly, daily wagers are in the fourth position and farmers and the general public are in the fifth and last position of the campaigner list that has gone viral on the internet.

“Everyone in the constituency has pursued me to file nomination for the bypoll and they have high hopes for me. I am with the people of the constituency and will continue to do so,” Das said.  

Earlier, BJD, BJP and Congress have announced the lists of star campaigners for Dhamnagar by-election.

While BJD’s list has 40 names as its star campaigners, excluding actor-turned politician Anubhav Mohanty and Minister Samir Dash, the Congress issued the list of 30 star campaigners. However, the list doesn’t have the name of Barabati-Cuttack MLA Md Moquim. BJP has also released a list of 40 star campaigners.

The BJD claimed Das’ candidature will have no impact on the party’s performance in the election.

 “The people are with CM Naeen Patnaik’s strong leadership and various developmental projects. Das may get some personal votes but the numbers will be very limited,” said senior BJD leader Amar Prasad Satpathy.

On the other hand, state BJP general secretary Prithiviraj Harichandan claimed the ruling BJD would remain at the third position.

“There will be a contest between Rajendra Das and BJP in the election. While BJP remains the favourite, BJD is in the third position,” the saffron party leader said.