Khandapada MLA and former BJD leader, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik dropped broad hints on Tuesday about the possibility of contesting the election from the Ghasipura Assembly seat in Keonjhar.
During his visit to Ghatagaon Maa Tarini temple on Tuesday, Patnaik told media persons, "I have received a proposal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to contest from here. Besides, local people are pleading with me to contest elections.”
He added that he came to Ghatagaon to have a darshan and offer prayers to Maa Tarini to seek Her blessings and guidance.
Interestingly, Patnaik also questioned why the BJD has not yet announced its candidate for the Khandapada Assembly seat.
“The elections are around the corner. My sudden visit to Ghatagaon and being received by my well-wishers and youths along the way will naturally raise so many questions and doubts. Even some people may have apprehensions about it,” he added.
Patnaik, who has not joined any party after being expelled from the BJD said, "Various political parties have suggested me to take part in the upcoming elections. The BJP has offered me to contest. People from this area are frequently visiting me and pressurizing me to contest the election.”
He added that he has hardly ever seen such wishes and enthusiasm as shown by people. “I came to have darshan of Maa Tarini. I seek the guidance of the Goddess on the way forward,” he noted.