With by-election fever gripping the Bijepur Assembly constituency, Orissa POST correspondent Biswa Bhusan Mohapatra interacts with Dilip Panda of Congress to know his views. Excerpts:
What are the issues before you in this election?
I’m fighting for resolving problems of our farmers, people and children. Farmers are not getting irrigation facility while there are no doctors in hospitals. Schools also lack adequate teachers. Naveen Patnaik had announced Gangadhar Meher mega irrigation project worth Rs 1,200 crore before the 2018 by-election. But, the project is hanging fire. My opposition parties are fighting the election by splurging money and liquor. Had they had really worked for development of the people, they would not have deployed all their leaders for the election.
Are you getting enough support from your party and leaders?
Our state president Niranjan Patnaik had already said that the party doesn’t have money to spend in this election and we will fight by winning the heart of the people. Our party has given the duty to senior state-level leaders for various zones and they are campaigning for me in their respective areas. Besides, other leaders are coming here to hit the campaign trail.
Who are you fighting with in this election, BJD or BJP?
I am not fighting with anyone. My fight is for the development of Bijepur and its voters.
Any Central leader coming for campaigning?
I don’t have any information. Our Pradesh Congress Committee leaders might have the information. My star campaigners are my voters, farmers, the educated mass and youths of Bijepur. I want to win the election with their support.
Ripunath Seth has expressed dissatisfaction over denial of ticket. Do you think that it will affect your prospects?
He (Seth) had already discussed with PCC president. He is in our party and has said that he will work for the party. Rebel is not the issue only with Congress. Ashok Panigrahy has quit the BJP recently.