Bhubaneswar: Setting aside all speculations, Prativa Maharathy, wife of late BJD leader Pradeep Maharathy has cleared the air by rubbishing media reports regarding her displeasure over son Rudra Pratap's candidature for Pipili by-election.
"I am indebted to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for giving priority to our family by nominating my son as the party candidate for Pipili bypoll. It is very good news for our family. Being a mother, I am probably the happiest one as my son is going to contest the bypoll on behalf of BJD," Prativa said through a video.
"My blessings are always with him. With the blessings of CM Naveen Patnaik, our family members and people of Pipili, he would emerge victorious," she added.
It was widely speculated that Prativa, who was also in the race of party ticket, was unhappy after her son was declared party nominee. A number of BJD leaders including party vice-president Debi Mishra, Pramilla Mallick and others had visited her two days ago to pacify her.
Maharathy's family had denied such speculations while some BJD leaders had indirectly indicated regarding her displeasure.
Prativa's daughter Pallavi and son-in-law Ardhendu had also rubbished such speculation.
"Son is the biggest strength and a backbone for a mother during time of trouble. Speculation of a rift between mother-son is not acceptable," Pallavi said.
Similarly, Ardhendu said "We wanted somebody from our family to contest the bypoll. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has decided Rudra to fight the battle. So, we all are happy and united in the family."