Bijepur bypoll: BJP's Ashok Panigrahi to file nomination today

Bargagarh: Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Padampur in Bargarh district as BJP candidate Ashok Panigrahi will file nomination today for the Bijepur bypoll scheduled for February 24.

Three platoons of forces have been deployed in the town and Bargarh SP is supervising the security system. Senior police officials have also been engaged in view of a massive rally by the saffron party.

"As we expect a heavy congregation of party supporters for the filing of nomination, we have beefed up the security to ensure a smooth conduct of the process. The SP himself reviewed the security arrangements today," said Tapiram Majhi, Returning Officer, Padmapur. Sources said a public meeting will be held at the market ground of Padampur and later Panigrahi will march towards the office of returning officer at Padampur amidst a grand procession and will submit his paper.

BJP's Odisha in-charge Arun Singh, State president Basant Panda, BJP legislature party leader KV Singh Deo and Padampur MLA Pradeep Purohit along with other senior leaders will remain present on the occasion.

As many as five sets of nomination papers have been bought from returning officer. Those who purchased the papers include BJD's Rita Sahu, BJP's Ashok Panigrahi, Purnachandra Paika of Ambedkar Party of India and two Independent candidates, the returning officer said.

Rita Sahu will file the paper on February 5 while Congress is yet to announce its candidate.