Odisha: Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi is prepared to battle Sanakhemundi

In the 2017 panchayat elections, Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi, the current chairperson of Dharakote block in Ganjam district and a descendant of the Dharakote royal line, made her political debut. It is a significant step for her to have been nominated by the BJD ticket for the Sanakhemundi Assembly section this year.

Being the youngest chairwoman in the Ganjam district at 27, she hopes to carry on her family’s public service history. Following the death of her father, Kishore Chandra Singh Deo, in 2010, Gitanjali, the oldest daughter of BJD politician and former Sanakhemundi MLA Nandini Devi, was anointed the symbolic king of Dharakote.

Gitanjali, who has a law degree, rose to fame in 2010 when she carried out the customary king’s duty of cleaning the chariots during the Jagannath Rath Yatra. She has been granted the right to represent her electorate in the next elections because of her family history and commitment to public service.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has received a great deal of support since she declared her candidacy, with thousands of fans and BJD employees expressing their happiness and appreciation.

Gitanjali affirmed her dedication to helping the Dharakote community and praised Naveen Patnaik’s pioneering work on women’s emancipation. She promises to carry forward the developmental work started in the area and gives tribute to her mother, the late Sanakhemundi MLA Nandini Devi, for laying the groundwork.

Gitanjali stated, “I owe it to my mother and the people of Dharakote.” She remarked that the CM’s empowering of women is unparalleled and that the many development projects carried out by BJD in the state benefit all societal groups.

“My mother may represent the Sanakhemundi sector, where numerous developmental activities have been undertaken, thanks to the support of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. There are more things to come, and I’m certain I’ll meet everyone’s expectations,” she said. She is prepared to carry on the family custom.

Gitanjali is up against some formidable opposition in the election, including Uttam Panigrahi of the BJP and incumbent Congress MLA Ramesh Jena. There are also plans by the Communist Party to present a candidate for the position. With the support of Naveen Patnaik’s leadership and seven years of experience in public life, Gitanjali hopes to gain the confidence of the people and continue Sanakhemundi’s tradition of progress and service.