Odisha Panchayat Polls: B.Tech Girl Student Contesting For Zilla Parishad Member Draws Eyeballs

On the third day of nomination filing for the upcoming panchayat polls, Odisha saw an interesting episode unfold in Puri district. It indeed was an unusual sight for many when a third year B.Tech student reached Sub-Collector’s office to file nomination for the post of Zilla Parishad member.

Subhasmita Sahu, who is currently pursuing civil engineering, is the Congress candidate for Zone-1 of Astaranga block in Puri. Leaving a lucrative job behind in Mumbai, Subhasmita has stepped into politics solely for genuine public service. She says she wants to develop the tourism sector and make her area corruption-free and a safe place for women and girls.

“The decision to step into politics is the growing corruption, in Odisha, especially in Puri district. Be it online transactions, travel, tourism, water facility, the district is not behind in atrocities against women too. People in the area need a suitable candidate who can facilitate them with basic amenities. Because I am educated, I think I could provide better services to the people. I have also left job earlier because I wanted to serve the people in the best way possible,” said Subhasmita. 

Puri reportedly has 33 Zilla Parishad zones, and it was almost a clean sweep for ruling party in the last elections. BJD had won 31 seats, 1 was won by independent candidate and one by BJP. 

Despite Congress’ poor show earlier, Subhasmita hopes she can give a tough fight to her opponents in this election. “BJD government won 31 seats. But people should think whether actually any developmental works were carried out in these 31 places. What is the growth? What facilities have been provided? Nothing has been done. Nothing.. If my education cannot help people in my village, my zone, district and Odisha, then it will be a waste,” she expressed. 

Recently, another young mechanical engineer, Jayanta Pradhan had quit job and filed nomination for the post of Panchayat Samiti member of Jujumura in Sambalpur district.

As far as the nomination status across Odisha is concerned, 37232 nominations have been filed for Ward Member, 8947 for Sarpanch, 6205 for Panchayat Samiti Member and 484 for Zilla Parishad Member.