Kantabanji victory created ripples in Odisha: MLA Laxman Bag, who defeated Naveen Patnaik

“The people of Kantabanji wanted a change and have silently given their mandate to the saffron party. This victory not only created ripples in Kantabanji but also across the state,” said Laxman Bag, the newly elected BJP MLA from the Kantabanji Assembly seat.

The Kantabanji Assembly seat is now the most talked-about Assembly segment in Odisha where five-term Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was handed out a crushing defeat by Laxman Bag with a margin of 16,344 votes. 

After his electoral success against the BJD supremo, an air of celebration prevailed across Khutulumunda village under the Kantabanji seat on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, the newly-elected BJP MLA, Laxman Bag said that the people fought a battle of trust and showed it by defeating the Chief Minister, who served for 25 years.

“What issues of Kantabanji we will tell you? There is unemployment, labour migration, a lack of education and healthcare infra. All these problems are going to end. A new beginning is going to happen as the new government will be formed on June 10,” Bag observed.

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He also pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already invited the people to the occasion.  “People did all that they had to do and the Prime Minister will reciprocate. You all will be proud. The PM will show the path of development,” he said, adding that he was extremely happy over the BJP’s electoral success. 

“The people of Kantabanji wanted a change and have silently given their mandate to the lotus symbol. The victory margin was 16,344 votes. This victory not only created ripples in Kantabanji but also across the state. The mandate shook the incumbent Odisha government. People have dreams and the dreams got fulfilled," he observed.

Laxman Bag celebrated the electoral victory at his village along with party workers and villagers.