Won’t fight LS polls from Balasore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clears speculation

Amidst the buzz that central BJP leadership is planning to field Union Railway Minister for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Balasore, Ashwini Vaishnaw himself put to rest such speculations on Sunday.

Responding to a media query during his recent Balasore visit, Vaishnaw clearly stated that he will not contest the Lok Sabha polls from Balasore.

“I will not contest from Balasore. We have Pratap Nana (sitting MP from Balasore and former Union Minister Pratap Sarangi) here,” said Vaishnaw.

During his recent district visit, Vaishnaw took stock of Balasore Railway station. He also ordered the DRM to write ‘Baleswar’ instead of ‘Balasore’. Subsequently, he visited Jhadheshwar Shiv temple along with Pratap Sarangi and offered prayers. He also donated a life support ambulance to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later visited AIIMS Satellite Hospital.

“After taking stock of the situation at Balasore Railway Station, I have ordered the General Manager and the DRM to finish the work of the stairs within eight to nine months. It was a long-time demand of the people,” said Vaishnaw.