Dissidence brews in BJP ahead of Bijepur bypoll

Bargarh: Intraparty rift seems to be brewing within the BJP ahead of the Bijepur bypoll with Nuapada district in-charge Pramod Kumar Chhatar announcing to contest in the election independently.

At a Press meet held in Bargarh yesterday, Chhatar, who is also a state executive member of the BJP's SC Morcha, announced that he will fight independently rather supporting former MLA Ashok Panigrahi, who has been declared saffron party's official candidate for the bypoll.

Chhatar also expressed his discontent over candidature of Panigrahi for the bypoll and alleged that the party is neglecting its senior leaders and giving key responsibilities to leaders and workers of other districts.

"I will fight independently in the by-election for the sake of the dignity of BJP senior leaders and workers. I have worked for constituency for the last seven to eight years. Hence, those associated with me during this period will support me," he stated.

Despite several attempts, reaction of BJP on the matter could not be obtained.