In Rourkela, BJD is leading the way due to BJP and Congress rebellion

The governing BJD seems to be in a strong position ahead of the polls, despite the rapidly shifting political dynamics in the Rourkela Assembly district.

 

Disgruntled BJP leader Nihar Ray, who was refused a ticket, is prepared to run as a rebel against Dilip Ray, the saffron party’s candidate from Rourkela, and his former mentor. Similarly, Biren Senapati, a ticket contender and general secretary of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), who left the historic party a few days ago, would join the BJD with his followers.

Both of these incidents, according to political commentators, would undoubtedly help the governing party, which anticipates a fierce contest for the Assembly seat.

After a five-year break from active politics, former union minister Dilip just joined the BJP again as its contender for Rourkela. According to sources, the BJP is now in a stronger position versus Sarada Prasad Nayak, the formidable BJD candidate, as a result of his comeback, which has greatly excited his supporters. It has infuriated Nihar, however, who lost to Sarada by 10,460 votes in 2019.

He had claimed the BJP nomination from the esteemed Rourkela seat, rebelling against Dilip. Dilip’s and the BJP’s Sundargarh Lok Sabha candidate Jual Oram’s attempts to win over Nihar likewise didn’t work. According to Nihar’s supporters, he will submit his candidacy as an independent on May 2. Nihar did neither confirm or refute the report when contacted. He added that on May 3, all will become evident.

Pundits believe that the BJD is thrilled about the prospect of Nihar running as a BJP dissident, particularly because Dilip is still a strong rival.

Likewise, Biren, who left the historic party on Monday, is in Bhubaneswar with twelve representatives from the NSUI and the Rourkela District Congress Committee (RDCC) in order to join the BJD.

Under Biren’s leadership, Kailash Chandra Sahoo, who resigned as national joint coordinator for the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) OBC wing, confirmed that they would be joining BJD. He held the AICC and OPCC responsible for selecting Congress candidate BN Patnaik without the leaders of the local community’s knowledge or approval.

Insiders close to BJD indicated that the most recent advancements would put BJD in control and assist in its victory in Rourkela.