Bhubaneswar: A day after Sundargarh MP and senior BJP leader Jual Oram hinted at Dilip Ray’s candidature from Rourkela Assembly seat, the latter, who had resigned from the party in 2018, today said that he is still a member of the BJP.
“I am still in BJP because my resignation has not yet been accepted. The party will decide my candidature within a day or two. People of Rourkela are well prepared for the election so also I,” Ray told reporters on his arrival in the steel city to a rousing welcome after his conviction in coal scam case was stayed by the Delhi High court.
Ray, who got emotional amid a massive gathering of supporters, said that no leader in Odisha received such a welcome by the people. This is only happening in Rourkela.
“People here have already made me win even before the election. I must thank to all my sisters and brothers of Rourkela,” he said.
Ray further said that election is not about a fight rather it is a festival of democracy. People here choose their leader who can serve them better, he said.
Ray, a former union minister, was convicted by lower court in Delhi in 1919 coal scam case. The Delhi High Court recently stayed his conviction paving the way for him to contest the poll.
Following high court order, Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, who is also contesting from same seat this time, said on Tuesday that BJP will field Dilip Ray from Rourkela Assembly segment. Oram said that Ray’s ticket has been finalised even though the official announcement has not yet been made.
