Setback for Cong, boost to BJP

In a significant development, Lower Suktel Movement leader Gopalji Panigrahi took the plunge into politics by joining the BJP along with his supporters.

BALANGIR: In a significant development, Lower Suktel Movement leader Gopalji Panigrahi took the plunge into politics by joining the BJP along with his supporters. He joined the party in the presence of senior BJP leader KV Singhdeo and State president of the party Basanta Panda.

“Panigrahi’s joining the party will strengthen our party base,”said Singhdeo. Later, the new entrants and other party workers took out a motorcycle rally in the town as a show of strength.

While the BJP was strengthening its base and emerging as a major challenger for the ruling BJD, District Congress Committee president Bagabana Bagarti resigned from his post. Political bickering is being cited as the reason behind the unexpected move by Bagarti.

However, Bagarti has cited personal reasons behind his resignation but the timing has severely dented the image of the party. Bagarti was reportedly upset with Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra faction, which had appointed his younger son Samarendra Mishra as coordinator for the panchayat election.

Meanwhile, on Monday night, the BJD had published another list of candidates for the upcoming Zilla Parishad election. The list, it is said, was made with a view to maintain a balance between the old guards and the new entrants.