With the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) all set to capture the Padampur assembly seat by registering a thumping win in the bypoll, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi on Thursday it is time for the saffron party to introspect.
With trends showing BJD candidate Barsha Singh Bariha strengthening lead, the BJP MP said, “ Whatever mandate comes in Padampur byelection, we will accept it. But the issues and problems are still alive and we need a solution to this. May be the people want to give BJD time till 2024 and may change after that. I am sure that people of Padampur Assembly will realise it and bless our party in 2024.”
According to Sarangi, all leaders in the party had worked hard and there could be some problems in planning. The party will introspect together and if there is some lacuna in planning, there is always a chance of defeat, she said adding that hard work and planning are key to win elections.
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“There could be some lacuna and as victory and defeat is collective, we will revisit our strategy. For BJD, it was fight of survival as we had won in Dhamnagar seat recently. All its (BJD) MLAs, ministers had camped there and there is nothing wrong it. BJP will certain revist its strategy and see how we can go forward from it as everybody in the party were connected with the people. We admit that there were some lapses in strategy as BJP registered a landslide victory in Gujarat after 27 years which is a victory of our planning,” Sarangi added.
It is pertinent to mention here that a political slugfest had triggered over BJD candidate Barsha over her surname and caste. “Barsha Baliarsingh is Ramaranjan Baliarsingh’s daughter-in-law. She is from Satyabadi, Puri. She has also never savoured tribal feasts. The person who couldn’t remain loyal to her caste, how will she remain loyal to her party and motherland,” said senior BJP leader Jual Oram had said while addressing a public meeting.
Rama Ranjan Baliarsingh, BJP leader and Barsha’s father-in-law said, “In a democratic set up, personal attacks are totally condemnable during elections. Whatever be the outcome of the results, Satyabadi’s soil is known for its sacrifice. Cutting across political lines, the discussion surrounding Satyabadi and Barsha has certainly hurt me and family and people. It will be verdict of the Padampur people and everybody should accept it. BJP had lot of issues and hoped that it will perform well. If the trend continues, our party leaders will certainly review and take necessary measures."
Health Minister and senior BJD leader Naba Das said, “ BJD is a people’s movement led by Naveen Patnaik. People of Padampur had already decided to vote for BJD and there was certainly a change in the scenario after CM’s visit.”
According to Das, the Opposition had brought lot of allegations against BJD. I think such allegations were only levelled after BJP sensed verdict was going against them.