Congress confident of retaining Bijepur seat

Bhubaneswar: With the Election Commission announcing the schedule for by-elections in Bijepur Assembly constituency, the Congress today expressed its confidence to retain the seat where the bypoll was necessitated by the death of their sitting MLA Subal Sahu.

Chief of Congress’ Odisha unit, Prasad Harichandan said that while other parties are trying to rope in leaders from outside to fight the by-election as they lack self-belief, the Congress has full confidence in itself.

"We will very soon announce our candidate who will be welcomed, appreciated and accepted by all. The Congress will fight together and win the election," Harichandan said.

While the BJD has announced Rita Sahu, wife of late Subal Sahu as its candidate, the BJP is yet to declare its candidate

"The selection of candidate is almost done and very soon we will announce the name of the candidate after party's central election committee and parliamentary board sits down to take a final call," BJP state unit’s general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said.

On the other hand, the ruling BJD said that its developmental agenda will help it to win.

"Improvement in infrastructure and development of the state is the prime aim of BJD. We are sure that people of Bijepur will definitely show appreciation and support to our party," leader Arun Sahoo said.