Odisha BJP Gears Up For Patkura Polls, Holds 'Janamatadhikar Jatra'

Kendrapara: The Patkura unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stones unturned for the upcoming election for the Assembly seat under Kendrapara parliamentary constituency. Alleging conspiracy at the administrative level over the postponement of Patkura election, the saffron party members along with the Bijoy Sena (supporters of BJP's Patkura MLA candidate Bijoy Mohapatra) held a Janamatadhikar Jatra (Voters' Right March) in zone number 13 on Saturday.

The voters' right march, which began from the Ram Mandir Chhak of Tinimuhani snaked though Gualasingh and Kasiapala before concluding at Thakurpatna. The rally was aimed at creating awareness among the voters of the constituency about the alleged motive of local administration.

BJP leaders and Bijoy's supporters alleged that the election to the Patkura seat has been postponed in the name of cyclone Fani only because of the conspiracy at the administrative level. "This is Janamatadhikar Jatra. The postponement of election is a conspiracy of the administration not to allow the Patkura voters to be a part of the State Assembly. They are simply scared of Bijoy Mohapatra," alleged a BJP leader.

Echoing similar allegations, another saffron party leader said, "Bijoy Mohapatra is their only fear. While the entire voters of the largest democratic country of the world are exercising their franchise, it is very unfortunate that the Patkura locals are deprived of it. This is because of the political vendetta of the State government against Bijoy Mohapatra. However, we have all united to foil the political conspiracy of the Chief Minister who is trying his best to stop election in Patkura Assembly segment cleverly."

It may be noted that the Patkura election was adjourned following the demise of BJD candidate Bed Prakash Agarwalla and re-scheduled on May 19, 2019. However, on request of CM Naveen in view of the cyclonic storm, the ECI again put it on hold for two months.