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Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Bijepur bypoll, senior BJP leader Ashok Panigrahi on Sunday dismissed the speculations of his snapping ties with the saffron party and termed the media reports as false and mere rumours.
It may be noted that some sections of media reported that the leader from Bargarh is reportedly upset after being ignored in the party and he recently held a meeting to take a decision on his future.
Taking note of the media reports, Panigrahi while speaking to OTV over phone however dispelled the speculations are false and rumours. "My words have been misinterpreted. I am with the party and will continue to be a part of it in the future. I am always ready to take up any responsibility the party bestows upon me," Panigrahi said.
"I along with my supporters campaigned for the party during the last elections. If the party says, I will shoulder similar responsibility along with my supporters this time too," he added.
Panigrahi had contested from Bijepur segment on BJP ticket in 2000 and won the election. Later, he joined BJD. However, he parted away with the ruling party after he was denied ticket during 2014 general elections. He again joined the saffron party during Bijepur bypoll in 2018 and contested the election. However, he was defeated by BJD candidate Rita Sahu.
During the 2019 assembly election, Panigrahi was denied ticket to contest the polls and he also fell down the pecking order this time as the saffron party selected Sanath Gartia as its candidate for the ensuing Bijepur bypoll scheduled for October 21.
While the countdown has already begun for the by-election to Bijepur assembly segment, the speculations of the local leader quitting BJP has been questioned by many.
