The delay in declaration of the name of candidate of Congress party for the Bijepur by-poll has left all in lurch. The conflict in Congress arises when one committee was formed in October led by Naba Kishore Das to select the party candidate and with the recommendation of that committee the state unit unanimously recommended the name of Pranay Sahu as the Congress candidate for Bijepur by-poll and shown him green signal to move ahead.
Now another committee led by former CM Hemananda Biswal visited the constituency in the last of January and recommended 2 names; Pranay Sahu and Ripunath Seth. Earlier former MLA Ripunath Seth was unwilling to contest the election as he was away from the party organization since long. But all of a sudden he started showing his interest to fight the election.
The State Congress is divided known to all. One group is lobbying for Pranay and another is for Ripu. It is open now. And Both BJP, BJD are taking its advantages.
When Pranay Sahu was shown green signal in October, he worked hard to organize the party after the demise of MLA Subal Sahu and activated the workers throughout the constituency. And a favorable wave started blowing for him. People of Bijepur are rejecting both BJP and BJD candidates. BJP candidate is a failed leader when he was MLA for one term in 2000. His arrogant behavior and dealing with people in the past is the main reason of his unacceptability. And BJD candidate is a mere rubber stamp. Pranay Sahu has a proven track record of leadership. He is leading Gaisilat block since last 25 years. Pranay is standing tall in front of the BJP and BJD candidate. That’s why a foul play is going around in the power corridor to pull him down. Both BJP and BJD are not wanted to fight against Pranay as he also belongs to Kulata community which is affluent and decisive in the constituency.
If Pranay is given the ticket, there are chances of his win. And he will stage a good fight. If Ripunath is given, BJD will win the election and Congress will be in 3rd position.
Saket Sreebhushan Sahu comments on politics and culture
