After Biju Janata Dal(BJD) leader and corporator, Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar was denied the ticket in the Ekamra Assembly constituency, he announced that he would join the poll fray as an Independent candidate.
The BJD has repeated MLA Ashok Panda in the seat where Mahasupakar had been lobbying for a ticket this time.
Upset, Supakar announced his decision that he would descend on the electoral battlefield as an Independent candidate.
Mahasupakar said, "We honour our Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T chairperson VK Pandian. I will not speak against the party. Whatever decision has been taken is okay. Our political activities will be carried on. The hopes and aspirations of the people will not be allowed to fade. It is certain that I will fight the election.”
He added that a meeting of the supporters will be held in a day or two and a decision will be taken about the campaign strategy.
“I started my career as a student leader and have been elected corporator four times. I will contest as an Independent and support our MP candidate Manmath Routray,” he added.