Sarpanch Candidate Found Begging In Odisha’s Balasore

Anyone visiting Baunsagadhia Panchayat under Khaira Block in Balasore district could be forgiven for mistaking him for a beggar because he is visiting from door to door seeking alms. 

But Bichitra Patra is not a beggar. He is a Sarpanch candidate in the forthcoming Odisha Panchayat Polls.

Patra, who is contesting for the post from Baunsagadhia Panchayat, says his daily routine changed on the day he decided to try his luck in electoral politics. After finishing his daily chores, Patra starts his day by going around the villages falling under Baunsagadhia Panchayat. He is touching every household while asking for alms. He is receiving rice, dal etc in return. 

For his unique campaigning style, Patra has now been the centre of discussion in the Panchayat and several adjacent villages. While his rival candidates and those in the fray for Zilla Parishad and Samiti member posts are offering promises and assurances, and some even distributing gifts, Patra, on the contrary, is receiving alms. 

Patra says, “I feel indebted to the people for whatever they are giving me. If I win the election, I will pay them back through services.” A believer of ‘action speaks louder than words’, Patra adds, “Unlike others, during campaigning, I am not promising people to end their sufferings. If I win the election, I will show it through my actions.”  

Regarding the problems people have been living with, Patra says, “There are overhead tanks, but without water. There are tube wells, but lying defunct. A pucca house is still a dream for many eligible beneficiaries who are living miserably in kutcha houses. My priority will be to put an end to these sufferings.”