With the crucial 2024 Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha elections nearing, hectic parleys have begun in the State with several aspirants making a beeline at Naveen Niwas, the official residence of Odisha CM and BJD supremo, Naveen Patnaik.
Though leaders along with their supporters from different parts of the state are visiting the BJD supremo’s residence on various issues, many believe it a lobby for party tickets.
Also Read: BJD hijacking central schemes in Odisha: BJP
On Friday, MLA Rajendra Sahoo and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Councillor, Amaresh Jena were also spotted along with their supporters at Naveen Niwas. Though both refrained from making clear statements, they put forth their demands through indirect statements.
“In the last election, CM had told me to contest from Begunia and I won by a margin of 20,400 votes. Whatever the CM says he does and there is no question of deviating from what he directs,” said Sahoo.
Similarly, BMC Councillor Amaresh Jena said, “Everything will get clear at the right time. Everybody is giving their opinion and whoever has an interest they are coming and putting forth their views. People always want a suitable candidate.”
Similarly, scores of leaders and aspirants from Puri, Angul, and Khordha districts are also coming to Naveen Niwas to lobby for tickets.
BJD MLA from Chhendipada, Sushant Behera said, “As an MLA I am keen to contest the polls. We will support whomever CM picks as a candidate. I have been elected as MLA twice and I am keen to contest polls again.”
Former Kakatpur MLA, Surendra Sethi said, “Everybody is coming so I have also come. I want to serve people. But whatever will be the decision of CM, I will abide by it. I am working for the people and will continue to do so.”
Also Read: BJP’s election co-in-charge doesn’t rule out BJD alliance buzz in Odisha