Bolangir/Mayurbhanj: Poll campaigning on any given season draws attention of the voters and when women members of Royal families hit the campaign trail on ground in this sizzling weather, the air of gloom lifts momentarily and entire limelight shifts towards them. Seven women from Bolangir and Mayurbhanj constituencies were in the line up urging voters to elect them or their family in the ensuing elections.
Mayurbhanj Queen Rashmi Rajalaxmi Bhanjadeo and Princess Mrunalika Manjari Bhanjadeo joined BJP today and in no time reached the constituents through door-to-door campaigns. Rashmi's husband Prabin Chandra Bhanjadeo, a former minister, had joined the saffron party recently after BJD fielded Rajkishore Das as its candidate for the Morada assembly seat, the only unreserved seat of Mayurbhanj Parliamentary constituency. Rajkishore was defeated by Prabin Chandra Bhanjadeo in the 2009 and 2014 elections.
Though Prabin has not been pitted by BJP in this elections, his family is leaving no stone unturned to make the saffron party victorious.
“No matter what, our main agenda is to reach out to the people. The more they share their problems, the more we can do for them to better their lives,” said the Mayurbhanj Queen.
Ruling-BJD has fielded Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo and his brother Arkesh Singh Deo from Bolangir LS and Assembly constituency respectively. However today, they were accompanied by their better halves Meghna (Kalikesh's wife) and Adrika Manjari (Arkesh's wife) in the scorching heat.
“There are plenty of problems in Bolangir and I am communicating with the people in this regard. I hope my campaigning will help Arkesh Babu,” says Adrika Manjari.
Leader of the BJP Legislature Party KV Singhdeo will contest from his Patnagarh assembly segment, while his wife Sangeeta Singh Deo (Queen of the Patnagarh Royal family), who has been pitted by the BJP to contest from Bolangir Lok Sabha seat is holding marathon rallies for victory in polls.
On the other hand, actress Bidusmita was seen in a poll rally for hubby and BJP’s Bolangir Assembly candidate Ananta Das.
“I will not stop even if temperature reaches 50-60 degree Celsius. It’s my duty to campaign for my husband and I respect that,” said a determined Bidusmita.
Leader of Opposition and Congress candidate from Bolangir Assembly constituency Narasingha Mishra’s daughter-in-law Rajalaxmi Mishra also hit the campaign trail to woo the voters.
“Every one is aware about the development activities carried out in the last four years. People are responding positively and we are being welcomed wherever we go.”
For now, there's no idea who will taste victory, but the marathon campaigns by royal families have certainly put everyone on toes for this election.