Puri: Amid the mounting cases of Covid-19 in Odisha, campaigning for the Pipili bypoll by the three major political parties in the State continues in full swing with door-to-door visits by the candidates in the Pipili-Delnaga area in Puri district.
Candidates of all the parties are seen canvassing with a handful of party supporters amid strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols. The candidates said they give more priorities to awareness on Covid than the campaigning.
“We are continuing our door-to-door campaign with a handful of supports. During campaigning, we are also making people aware of covid-19 and insist them on maintaining appropriate covid behavior and take vaccine shots,” said BJD candidate, Rudra Pratap Maharathy.
“We are getting public support and expect a better result,” he added.
Similarly, BJP candidate Asrit Patnaik said he is also giving more priority to Covid awareness than the poll campaigning. “Election will be held on its way. But, we first advise people to stay safe during this Covid pandemic. We suggest them to obey government’s guidelines to stay away from the virus,” he said.
“We have found huge public support towards the BJP. They want a change this time. We also request people to vote for our party in large numbers to take forward Narendra Modi’s model of development,” he added.
Pipili by-poll was cancelled mid-way after the death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj. The Election Commission had issued a fresh notification fixing May 6 as the date of poll.
After the demise of Mangaraj, Congress has fielded Biswa Keshan Harichandan for the ensuing by-election.