Bhubaneswar: BJD leader and former MLA Rajendra Das, who was one of the aspirants for Dhamnagar by-poll, seems to be unhappy over the party decision of fielding Abanti Das as the official candidate for the by-election.
A day after the ruling party selected Tihidi Block Chairperson Abanti Das as its candidate, Rajendra has expressed anguish for being sidelined by the party even though he was a top contestant in 2019 assembly election. Notably, Das was defeated in the last election by a slender margin.
Soon after the BJD declared Abanti as its nominee, speculations started doing rounds that Das may contest the poll independently as a rebel candidate.
To add to the speculation, Das has hinted at filing his nomination as an Independent candidate. Speaking to media on Thursday, he said that he has left everything on his well-wishers and constituents.
“I am consulting my followers, well wishers and people of the constituency. If they want, I would definitely file my paper tomorrow”, he said.
On the other hand, a group of senior BJD leaders have made all round attempts to pacify Das. A party delegation on Thursday visited his house to appease the former legislator.
Notably, BJD on Wednesday had opted Abanti as its top choice for the by election.
