Bhubaneswar: Governing Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has already started advance preparation for the bye-poll of Pipili Assembly segment in Puri district by appointing senior leader Pratap Kesari Deb as the Election Observer for the party.
BJD President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appointed Mr.Deb as the Party Observer for selection of candidate and conduct of the bye-election to be held following the demise of seven-time Lawmaker and former Minister Pradeep Maharathy on 4 October, 2020.
Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to notify the date for the Pipili by-poll, Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sushil Kumar Lohani on 25 January had said that the State Machinery is ready for the bye-election anytime.
Governing Party sources said that the BJD may field either Maharathy’s wife Pratibha or his son Rudra as the party candidate in Pipili by-poll.
Both Pratibha and Rudra have separately said that they would not hesitate to contest the by-poll if given a chance.
“Me or my mother, whoever gets the ticket, will contest in the election and work to fulfill the dreams of my father. My father always wanted to work for the betterment of Pipili and Delanga areas. We will also follow his footprints,” Rudra told reporters here on Thursday.
Rudra said he has worked along with his father and has experience of election management.
“My mother too has experience of political affairs, but we all will accept the decision taken by the party,” Rudra said.
Pratibha, a college teacher by profession, on 20 January, had expressed her willingness to contest from Pipili Assembly constituency.
“Keeping in view Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s women empowerment efforts, the party may field Pratibha in Pipili by-polls,” an insider said.
Governing BJD had won Tirtol and Balasore bye-polls in 2020.