BJD’s Bobby Das hints at contesting from party bastion Jajpur amid BJP’s growing popularity

Stakes are high for Bobby Das alias Pranab Prakash Das, one of the most important men after former CM and LoP Naveen Patnaik in Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Amidst BJP’s growing popularity in Odisha, Bobby has hinted that he would contest for the Jajpur by-election.

Jajpur incidentally happens to be the home district of Bobby who recently contested the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat and was pitted against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Bobby is now concentrating full-time on Jajpur and the seven assembly seats falling under it.

Speculations are rife that Bobby would contest from Jajpur in the upcoming by-election after Bobby attended an event and said, “I’m working for Naveen Patnaik, for BJD party and entire Odisha. I thank Naveen Patnaik for giving me everything I have demanded from road infrastructure to medical college.”

Also Read | First 100 Days were trailer, full movie ahead: Odisha BJP chief hits back at Naveen Patnaik

“I’m Jajpur’s son and no power can stop a son who wants to come to his mother. I get a lot of energy after meeting all the people here. Now I’m ready for another fight in Jajpur,” he added.

Targeting BJP, Bobby said, “The saffron party does not want development in Jajpur. All they do is religion politics.”

Commenting on Bobby’s statements, BJP leader Biranchi Tripathy said, “The BJD wanted to be in power for generations. They are not able to digest after people of Odisha threw them out of power in 2024.”