After the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) denied a ticket to Nimapara MLA Samir Ranjan Dash, his band of supporters has vehemently been opposing the move and set April 30 as the deadline for the party to reconsider his case.
The BJD has fielded Dillip Nayak this time instead of Dash.
Dash's supporters have warned to resign from the party en masse if the party does not announce him as a candidate by April 30.
As per reports, Dash and his supporters are re-grouping themselves and brainstorming over the alternate course of action even as election day is coming closer.
They held a meeting in Nimapara on Friday and it was attended by the BJD president of Nimapara block Ashok Sahu, frontline party leaders like Jibnananda Mohapatra, party’s panchayat presidents of 46 panchayats from Nimapara and Gop blocks and 11 ward unit presidents of Nimapara NAC.
Ashok observed that if the party does not reconsider their demand, Dash should fight the poll as an Independent.
Ashok alias Tukuna was heard saying, "He (Dash) started his career as a student leader and has never seen defeat. He has worked hard. If the party doesn’t reconsider your (Dash) candidature, we should fight the poll as an Independent.”
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At the meeting, the MLA asked his supporters would it be acceptable if anyone other than Samir Dash & Sangita Dash was made candidate in the constituency and in response, his supporters were heard saying ‘no’ in unison.
However, no reaction was received from the BJD.