BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda on Friday filed his nomination papers from Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat. Along with scores of people, thousands of BJP workers assembled on both sides of the road up to Kendrapara Collector’s office during the mega roadshow conducted by Baijayant Panda before filing his nomination papers today.
Panda greeted people during the roadshow and exuded confidence that the party would register a superb performance in the 2024 elections in Odisha and the country at large.
Panda’s roadshow procession passed through several prominent locations in Kendrapara.
“Along with our party karyakartas (workers), thousands of people have also connected with us owing to the development that they have witnessed in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. In the next 5 years, the pace of development will be speeded up in the country and Odisha as well under PM Modi’s guarantee. This has led to a massive excitement among the people,” said Panda.
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After filing his nomination papers, Baijayant Panda said, “This election is the biggest in the history, and India is the biggest democracy in the history. I urge the people of Kendrapara to vote in large numbers on June 1.”
Voters’ Mood In Kendrapara
"We are confident that Baijayant Panda will win with a record margin this time from Kendrapara," said a voter at Tinimuhani.
Another voter said, “We are happy over the developments that have taken place in the country. We want PM Modi to come to power again with a thumping majority. In Odisha also there will be BJP’s double-engine government.”
'Officials Supporting BJD'
It was alleged that the administration is working for a particular party as its several workers were allowed during nominations while restrictions were clamped on other party candidates during the process.
Kendrapara district BJP vice-president said, “ECI guidelines say that the officers on election duty should be impartial. However, over 10 supporters were allowed inside during nomination of BJD candidate while supporters of other parties were not allowed. We will certainly apprise the ECI in this regard.”
“We had requested the police officials present at the spot. But nobody listened to our grievances. The officials allowed several people of BJD and it shows nexus of police and officers,” alleged a BJP leader.
“I am a candidate’s mother and had gone as first proposer, but my son was allowed after I exited. However, when BJD candidate entered, rules changed and a lot of people, around 10 were allowed,” said a woman present at the spot.
When asked, a senior official refused to comment on the matter.
BJD’s LS candidate Anshuman Mohanty, who also filed his nomination today, said, "I have filed my nomination along with several MLA candidates of the party and we are hopeful of winning the seats."