Jharsuguda bypoll: Political climate heats up as leaders switch parties

In the run-up to the Jharsuguda bypoll, leaders switching parties is heating up the political atmosphere in the constituency.

While four sons of martyr Karunakar Singh Nayak have joined the BJP reportedly after getting inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, tribal leader Mahendra Naik and Trinath Goyal have left Congress and BJP respectively to join the ruling BJD.

As per experts, BJD seems to be desperate to woo tribal voters in Jharsuguda ahead of the bypoll and it is the main reason why Naik has been inducted into the party. Naik lost as a Congress candidate in the last General Election. However, he had aspirations to be the party candidate again in the bypoll. But when he was denied a ticket, he joined BJD.

Meanwhile, Trinath’s homecoming has also become the talk of the town. He was defeated by a BJD candidate in the last Municipal election. He was expecting a ticket from BJP for Jharsuguda bypoll. He left BJP and returned to BJD again after being denied the ticket.

When BJD is claiming that their position is strong in Jharsuguda despite the absence of slain Cabinet Minister Naba Das and they are confident of getting sympathy votes, inducting leaders from other parties in their fold has stirred up politics in the constituency.

As per BJD candidate Deepali Das, the inclusion of the other party leaders will reinforce the party’s chances of victory in the upcoming bypoll.

“Mahendra and Trinath sirs are experienced persons. They have done some great work for the development of the people in the constituency. We welcome their entry into BJD. They will help the party a great deal in the bypoll,” said Deepali.

However, Opposition BJP and Congress slammed the BJD for allegedly poaching leaders of other parties by luring them with money, position, and power.

“BJD has become sure about its defeat. So they are taking leaders from BJP,” said BJP leader, Golak Mohapatra.

“The ruling party is doing politics by using its money and muscle power. They are taking away Congress workers by luring them with position and power which is quite unfortunate,” said Congress MLA, Santosh Singh Saluja.

Meanwhile, with the political atmosphere becoming warmer with each passing day in the constituency, all the political parties have intensified their campaigns ahead of the bypoll to be held on May 10. They are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters by organizing public and party meetings.

Following her father’s demise, Deepali is playing the emotional card to woo voters in every meeting by reminiscing her father’s memory and harping on the developmental works undertaken by the departed leader.

On the other hand, BJP candidate Tankadhar Tripathy has already started door-to-door campaigning. Along with BJP workers, Tankadhar is visiting every house and requesting people to vote for the BJP.

According to Tankadhar, he is committed to ensure basic amenities for all the people of Jharsuguda if BJP is voted to power.

“BJD is boasting of development only by developing families of its leaders. People will give a befitting reply to it in the upcoming bypoll on May 10,” said Tankadhar.