With the denial of tickets to two sitting MLAs of BJD in the district, fear of the votes in those constituencies getting divided in the ensuing elections is looming large.
After the ruling party dropped Dhenkanal Sadar MLA Nabin Nanda and Hindol MLA and former minister Anjali Behera from its list of candidates, party workers are in a quandary. The BJD has fielded Simarani Naik for Hindol Assembly constituency while former MLA and State Housing Board Corporation Chairman Saroj Samal is party contestant for Dhenkanal Sadar seat.
Denial of ticket to the sitting MLA has given rise to a rift between Samal and Nanda. Nanda is currently campaigning for BJD’s Dhenkanal MP candidate Tathagata Satpathy as the former enjoys a strong support base in Gondia block and other places in the constituency. Nanda, who has made an understanding with the party MP candidate, is seen with Satpathy at most political meetings.
BJD supporters said though they are campaigning for Satpathy, they are requested by Nanda to support BJP MLA candidate Krushna Chandra Patra in Sadar Assembly seat.
Campaign is also getting murkier in Hindol Assembly seat. After BJD expelled Behera from the party, she is contesting as an Independent. Seeking support for her candidature, Behera, a three-time MLA, is also asking people to support Congress MP candidate Sudhir Kumar Samal.
Meanwhile, MP and MLA candidates of Congress are taking advantage of the rift in BJD. Nanda said he is supporting Satpathy but is not with MLA candidate Samal as the latter did not seek his support.