After Maharathy's Wife, His Son Rudra Keen To Contest Pipili Bypolls

Bhubaneswar: Days after Pradeep Maharathy's wife Pratibha Maharathy expressed her willingness to contest Pipili bypolls, son of the seven time MLA, Rudra Maharathy on Thursday hinted at his desire to contest the byelection on a BJD ticket.

Speaking to media Rudra said, "My mother or I, whoever gets the ticket, will contest in the election and work to fulfil the dreams of my father. My father always wanted to work for the betterment of Pipili and Delanga. We will also follow his footprints."

"I have experience in election management as I had toured with my father during two elections. My mother too has experience of political affairs, but we all will accept the decision taken by the party," Rudra added.

Earlier on January 20, Pratibha had expressed her willingness to contest from Pipili Assembly constituency.

"I will be happy if given an opportunity to work for the party. I will accept whoever the party supremo Naveen Patnaik selects for the by-election." Pratibha had said.

Meanwhile, BJD has appointed senior party leader and MLA Pratap Keshari Deb as the Election Observer for Pipili Assembly constituency.

"Shri Pratap Keshari Dev, MLA is hereby appointed as Election Observer of Biju Janata Dal for Pipli Assembly Constituency with immediate effect," a notification issued by BJD read.

Notably, Pipili will go for a by-poll following the death of MLA and former minister Pradeep Maharathy. The seven-time MLA had died of Covid-19 on October 4.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)