Bhubaneswar: All the three political parties have geared up to chalk out strategies for Bijepur bypoll scheduled to be held on February 24.
While the ruling BJD has already named Rita Sahu, wife of incumbent legislator late Subal Sahu, as its candidate for the by-election, Congress and BJP stated they will name their candidates in a day or two.
Congress has formed a six-member committee under chairmanship of senior leader Hemananda Biswal to finalise the party candidate. However, names of Gaisilat block vice chairman Pranoy Sahu and former minister Ripunath Seth are doing rounds in the political circle as possible names of Congress.
Member of the candidate selection committee of Congress Sarat Patnaik, said, "After holding discussions with other leaders and party activists in Bijepur on January 30, we will refer the party candidate to Biswal who, in turn, will inform the high command for the final decision."
Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP Odisha in-charge Arun Singh, part’s state chief Basant Panda and legislature party leader KV Singh Deo today held a close-door discussion to decide on the candidate.
BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit said, "The state-level committee has sent its recommendation to the party's central selection board to take a decision. The announcement will be made in a day or two."
Speculations are rife over candidature of Ashok Panigrahi, who has quit BJD and joined the BJP, for the bypoll.
Earlier in the day, BJD's candidate Rita Sahu met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Nivas in Bhubaneswar and announced that she would file nomination on February 5.
A total of 53 Congress activists including former sarpanch and samiti member of Gailsilat block also joined BJD in presence of the chief minister.
The voting for the bypoll will be held on February 24 while the counting and results will be declared on February 28. As per the schedule, while the last date for filing nomination is February 6, the candidates can withdraw their candidatures by February 9.