Odisha Congress shortlists candidates for Pipili By-poll

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Mar 24, 2021 at 3:43 PM Updated On : Mar 24, 2021 at 4:04 PM

Bhubaneswar: A day after Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) issued the gazette notification for the ensuing Pipili by-poll scheduled to be held on April 17, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Chief Niranjan Patnaik today said the party has submitted a report on its candidature to AICC and the party high command will finalize the candidate.

“There will be a triangular fight in Pipili this time,” said the OPCC Chief.

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Speaking to mediapersons, Patnaik said names of three persons: Ajit Mangaraj, Purna Swain and Nishikant Mishra have been shortlisted for the by-election. He further said that star campaigners’ list has already been prepared and the party will work hard to win the election.

“Congress will secure good votes in this elections. A team led by Chiranjib Biswal has prepared a report. The candidate will be finalized based on the report. Even if I don’t get the ticket, I will work for the party,” said Ajit Mangaraj, who is in the race to secure the party ticket.

In 2019 General elections , Mangaraj contested from Pipili Assembly Constituency and secured only 9,830 votes while BJD’s strongman Late Pradeep Maharathy grabbed the seat with 88,518 votes.

By-poll to the constituency was necessitated after demise of former MLA late Pradeep Maharathy, who died on October 4 last year.