Sambalpur: Union minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan and several other heavyweights from various parties on Thursday filed nominations for Lok Sabha polls from their respective seats in Odisha.
In the morning, Pradhan visited Samaleswari Temple and offered prayers before participating in a massive roadshow from the temple to the DC office for filing his nominations.
“There is a demand for change in Odisha and the BJP is determined to win not only the Lok Sabha polls but also the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Narendra Modi is going to be the Prime Minister for another term. This is the blessing of Maa Samaleswari and the people of India. In Odisha, there will also be a change in government. People of Odisha have made up their mind to change the government and bring the BJP to power,” Dharmendra Pradhan said.
Pradhan, who is a cabinet minister in the Modi government, is contesting elections after a gap of 15 years, after the BJP picked him as its candidate for Sambalpur, the epicentre of western Odisha.
Similarly, Bhubaneswar MP and BJP national spokesperson Aparajita Sarangi today filed her nomination. In the morning, she offered worship in her house and local temples before taking part in a grand rally. The road show was dominated by a bike rally of women.
“I will work with all the constituents of Bhubaneswar to build a better Bhubaneswar. The Lok Sabha constituency will be No -1 in eastern India,” Aparajita Sarangi said.
Her political opponent Manmath Routray of BJD also filed his nomination at the same time. Routray, the son of veteran leader Suresh Routray, reached the Collectorate in Khurdha in a bullock cart amid a massive rally.
He said that he is confident of a victory this time. “Victory is a must because we represent the BJD and our symbol is the conch. We work in a team which is led by Naveen Patnaik,” said Manmath Routray.
Retired IPS officer and BJD’s Arup Patnaik, who is contesting against BJP’s Sambit Patra from Puri Lok Sabha segment, also submitted his nomination papers before Puri Collector.
“I seek the blessings of all voters and I appealed to the people of Puri Lok Sabha constituency to repose faith in me. I am a simple and straight-forward man who believes in his action, said Arup Patnaik.
Former union minister and senior BJP MP Jual Oram also filed nomination today. He is contesting from Sundergarh parliamentary constituency again.
“My party has given an opportunity to become MP for eighth time. Today’s rally for nomination has boosted the morale and confidence of our workers. People of Sundergarh are determined to vote for BJP”, said Jual Oram
