Hatadihi: With elections getting closer, ticket hopefuls from all political parties have started visiting villages and meeting people in Anandapur constituency of Keonjhar district. Many new faces have entered the scene electrifying the political atmosphere.
The area has also witnessed a spurt in political violence with many cases landing in police stations. Congress leader Jaydev Jena, Mayadhar Jena and Bhagirathi Seth are believed to be in the run for tickets in Anandapur.
However, it is learnt that people are not enthusiastic about their leadership. The reason is that they are not satisfied by their performance when they were in power. Most of the voters want to see new faces from other parties who can fulfil their aspirations to contest the polls.
Reports said the Congress has become weak here as many of its workers have deserted the party and joined other outfits. Besides, the party’s local leaders have not thrashed out any strategy to keep their flock together.
On the other hand, the BJP has been trying its best to gain a foothold in the constituency. Alok Sethi of the BJP has been organising meetings and meeting people in villages. The BJP appears to be more proactive here than the Congress.
Going by the present situation in Hatadihi block, the ruling BJD seems to be on a sticky wicket as it has many ticket aspirants. It is said that seven to eight persons are in the race for the BJD ticket. Factionalism may create problems for the party.
A group is likely to cross over to another party, according to political observers. Some leaders in the ruling party are squabbling and this may create trouble. The public has no clear idea about who will lead the BJD in Anandapur.
Social activist Adikand Jena said that no legislator ever paid attention to the constituency’s development. “There is need for a new leader,” he added.
BJP’s Alok Sethi asserted that his party had been gaining ground, and would give a tough fight to the BJD. But BJD workers like Birendra Kumar Biswal are confident that his party will surely win the next election.
Congress workers said the party’s senior leaders were paying more attention to their own interests.
PNN