After Delhi HC breather, BJP likely to field Dilip Ray from Rourkela

Sundargarh: Former union minister Dilip Ray, who was given relief by the Delhi High Court in a coal scam case, is likely to contest the Assembly polls from Rourkela on the BJP ticket, hinted BJP’s MP candidate for Sundargarh and former Union Minister Jual Oram.

Speaking to media persons today, Jual said that Dilip Ray’s ticket has been finalised and he will enter the poll campaign shortly.

“The ticket to Dilip Ray has been confirmed. An official announcement is yet to be made today or tomorrow about his candidature. After he reached here, we will prepare for the polls together,” Jual said.

The Delhi High Court yesterday stayed the conviction of Dilip Ray in a case pertaining to irregularities in the allocation of coal block in Jharkhand in 1999, allowing him to contest the forthcoming elections in May in Odisha.

The court stayed the conviction on grounds of the leader’s three-decade-long political career and in view of the ensuing elections.