Western Odisha is going to see the sons of many veteran leaders on the battlefield of the 2024 General Elections. The parties have given a chance to the sons to carry on the political legacy of their fathers this time in Nuapada, Kalahandi and Bolangir.
After senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra announced his retirement from politics, the party has fielded his son Samarendra Mishra as MLA candidate from the Bolangir Assembly seat. He had earlier contested as the party’s MP candidate from the Bolangir LS seat.
Similarly, five-time MLA Jogendra Behera’s son Nihar Ranjan Behera has been fielded by the BJD in the Losingha Assembly seat while veteran BJP leader and Kalahandi MP Basant Panda’s son Abhinandan Panda has been given a chance to try his political luck in the Nuapada Assembly seat to fight against BJD’s Rajendra Dholakia and Odisha Congress chief Sarat Pattanayak.
Congress leader Samarendra Mishra said, "I have got a chance to carry forward the development in Bolangir.”
BJP leader Abhinandan Panda said,” We have worked for the people. I have confidence that people will vote for the BJP.”
BJD leader Nihar Ranjan Behera said, "My father was a five-time MLA and I have learnt a lot about politics. His old supporters are here and will come to our help.”
After BJD veteran, AU Singhdeo retired from politics, his elder son and two-time MP, Kalikesh Singhdeo has been given a BJD ticket in the Bolangir Assembly seat. Kalikesh said, “We will carry on our development work and the BJD will win in Bolangir.”
Similarly, Congress has fielded Sagar Das, the son of former Union Minister Bhakta Das, in the Bhawanipatana Assembly seat. He had also unsuccessfully contested in the same seat in 2019.
Congress leader Sagar Das said, "I will keep up my fight for the people of Kalahandi.”
Elections to these Assembly seats will be held on June 3.