Jharsuguda: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has appointed block and municipality observers for the upcoming Jharsuguda by-election, which is scheduled to be held on May 10. The appointment of the observers comes as the party is putting all its efforts to ensure a victory in this by-poll, which is expected to set the tone for the twin elections in 2024.
The BJD has appointed 12 individuals as observers for 4 blocks and one municipal council in the Jharsuguda assembly seat. Of the 12 appointed, 5 are ministers and 7 are senior leaders who will serve as block and municipal council observers for the by-election. The Kirmira Block will be supervised by Ministers Atanu Sabyasachi Naik and Tukuni Sahu, while Ministers Niranjan Pujari and Saroj Meher will supervise the Kolabira Block. Padmanabh Behera and Arun Sahu will be responsible for Jharsuguda block supervision, and Minister Pratap Keshari Dev and Captain Dibyashankar Mishra will oversee the Laikera block. Pratap Jena, Pushpendra Singh Deo, Snehangini Chhuria, and Minister Rita Sahu will be in charge of the Jharsuguda Municipal Council.
The appointment of the observers aims to ensure the smooth running of the election process and to identify any irregularities or malpractices that may occur during the election. The by-election is significant for the BJD as it is expected to set the tone for the twin elections in 2024, and the ruling party hopes to regain its lost ground in the region and quell the BJP challenge by winning this by-poll.
The by-election was necessitated after the death of Health Minister Naba Kishore Das on January 29, 2023. The BJD has fielded Dipali Das, the daughter of the late minister, hoping to win by cashing in on the sympathy wave. A victory for Dipali Das would also reduce the discussion on Naba Kishore Das murder and help the party to wriggle out of an embarrassing situation ahead of the next polls.
The appointment of block and municipality observers will help the party to ensure that the election is conducted smoothly in all the polling booths. The observers will be responsible for overseeing the election process, identifying any irregularities or malpractices, and reporting the same to the party leadership.
In conclusion, the Jharsuguda by-election is significant for the BJD as it is expected to set the tone for the twin elections in 2024. The ruling party hopes to regain its lost ground in the region and quell the BJP challenge by winning this by-poll.
