Balasore: BJP leader Mahameghabahan Aira Kharabela Swain announced to fight the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Balasore in Odisha.

"As the party denied to give me an MP ticket and projected Pratap Sarangi as its candidate, I will fight as the Independent candidate for Balasore Lok Sabha seat," the former Balasore Lok Sabha Member told media today.

The decision came after the BJP fielded Santosh Khatua as its MLA candidate for Nilagiri Assembly seat under Balasore Lok Sabha Constituency.

Having no fear of future consequences over his decision, the dauntless BJP leader expressed that he was not afraid of anything.

"If the party takes action for going against the party's diktat, I will join the party again after I win the elections from Balasore," Swain said.

He had urged the party chief to nominate him for Balasore Lok Sabha replacing Pratap Sarangi and offer the latter an MLA ticket for Nilagiri Assembly Constituency.

However, the party announced Santosh Khatua as its MLA candidate for Nilagiri today without making any modification in the list of its candidates for Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Odisha.

Earlier, the BJP leader had announced to fight the Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate after the party announced Pratap Sarangi's name as its candidate for Balasore Lok Sabha seat. A few days later, he withdrew his announcement and proposed the party to change its decision and come up with a middle path benefitting both him and Sarangi.