Odisha: Former MLA Devendra Sharma won’t fight 2024 polls; daughter applies for Congress ticket

Priya Ranjan Swain Published On : Feb 19, 2024 at 5:49 PM

Bhubaneswar: Congress leader and former Aul MLA Devendra Sharma will not contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha.

Sharma’s daughter Debasmita, a trained doctor, has applied for Congress ticket to fight the 2024 Assembly polls from Aul constituency in Kendrapara, sources said.

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Sharma got elected to Odisha Assembly from Aul segment on a Congress ticket in 2014 by defeating Biju Janata Dal (BJD) nominee Pratap Keshari Deb. But, Sharma was defeated by Deb in 2019 Assembly polls.

“My father will not contest the 2024 Assembly polls in Odisha. He has some health issues. Besides, he had always a desire to promote youths in politics. I have already quitted my job and applied for a Congress ticket to fight the election from Aul Assembly segment,” said Debasmita over phone to Sambad English.

Debasmita further revealed that she has her developmental agenda for Aul constituency.

“I have huge respect for sitting Aul MLA and Industry Minister Pratap Deb. But, I have noticed many corrupt practices at the grassroots. I have my own ideology and developmental agenda for Aul constituency,” Debasmita added.