Block chairman bypoll in Odisha’s Ganjam cancelled, BJD workers stage protest  

Tension flared up at Digapahandi block in Ganjam district after the supporters of BJD leader Bipin Pradhan attempted to force their entry into the block office following the cancellation of the by-election of the Digapahandi block chairman.

Following the death of Digapahandi block chairperson Sunita Sethi, the post has been lying vacant for the last two months. As the general election is round the corner, the by-election for the post has assumed importance. 

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD)’s two factions have been locking horns while eyeing for the coveted post. While one faction is of Biplab Patra, who is the son of Surya Patra, the other is led by Bipin Pradhan, a close aide of Surya Patra. 

Today the vote for the block chairman post was scheduled to be held. At the last moment, the voting was cancelled. Protesting this, the supporters of Bipin Pradhan tried to enter the block office and staged a roadblock, sources said. 

Notably, since the death of block chairperson Sunita Sethi, the two groups of Biplab Patra and Bipin Pradhan have been pulling all stops to get the block chairman post. In the political circle here, it is discussed that the group that will win the post will not only enjoy clout but also get the MLA ticket in the coming election.

While there are 25 panchayats in Digapahandi block, 14 samiti members are from Bipin Pradhan’s village Bomokai; and they are with him.