Infighting in BJD crops up again as Raghu Sahu throws open challenge to Prasanna Patasani for Chilika seat

Problems mounted for former Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patasani after Raghu Sahu claimed his aspirations to fight from Chilika Assembly Constituency under a BJD ticket.

Following speculations that Patasani may be named as BJD candidate from Chilika, Raghu Sahu with his hundreds of supporters arrived at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Friday claiming his candidature.

“Raghu babu is a strong leader from Chilika. He was denied a ticket in the last elections. However, he has made BJD’s organisation strong in Chilika. We have come here to request CM Naveen Patnaik to give a ticket to Raghu babu from Chilika,” said one of his supporters.

Another supporter said, “There are more than 5000 Raghu Sahu supporters congregated here at Sankha Bhawan. He has kept BJD strong in the Constituency. We want him to fight elections from Chilika.”

However, Patasani did not seem to be perturbed by the show of strength by Sahu. Speaking to reporters, Patasani said, “Everybody has a right to express his/her opinion in politics. I do not want to oppose those who have come here. As an active and disciplined member, I will undertake whatever responsibility the party gives me.”

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Asked about his visit to Chilika, Patasani said, “I have not gone there yet. The party has also not formally announced my candidature. On the other hand, I am a native of Chilika. Who will oppose me visiting my native village.”