Resentment in BJD over Kandhamal LS ticket to Achyuta Samanta

Bhubaneswar: Since the announcement of its candidates for the first and second phase general elections in Odisha, resentment continues to surface within the ruling-BJD camp with workers and leaders of the party unit protesting candidature of Achyuta Samanta in Kandhamal Lok Sabha segment.

Hundreds of leaders and party workers staged demonstration at Biju Patnaik chhak in Phulbani and blocked the road yesterday protesting selection of Samanta. Alleging BJD top brass' gross negligence towards the local party unit leadership, the protesters blamed that just like the last time an outside leader has once again been selected to contest the polls from this parliamentary constituency.

They alleged that due to the selection of an outsider, the local party leaders and workers are unable to express their grievances and issues. The party unit has also threatened to resort to a district-wide protest if party supremo fails to cancel Samanta’s candidature.

Sudhir Kanhar, Phulbani BJD Nagar president said, “We don’t know who Achyuta Samanta is, so we have demanded the party president to field a local candidate.”

Punam Kanhar, Vice president of local unit of Biju Mahila Janata Dal, said there is still time to consider another candidate for the Lok Sabha seat. We want the party leadership to select a candidate whom we know and can share our problems face-to-face.”