Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 22: Campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Odisha will intensify this week as top leaders from both the BJD and BJP gear up to hit the campaign trail.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate BJP’s election drive from Sonepur, a constituency in western Odisha under the Balangir Lok Sabha seat, on April 25. Meanwhile, BJD president and Chief Minister will commence his campaign from his constituency in Ganjam’s Hinjili, where he is seeking re-election for the sixth term, on April 24.
Sources indicate that the BJD leader will hold a public rally at Sheragada and meet with party workers. On April 25, he will visit Rayagada to rally support for BJD candidates in Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput constituencies, scheduled for polling on May 13.
It is anticipated that Naveen may submit his nominations for Hinjli on April 30, following a visit to Tara Tarini for deity blessings.
The significance of Shah’s proposed address in Sonepur is heightened since it follows the breakdown of alliance talks between BJP and BJD last month. Additionally, the choice of Sonepur holds importance as Naveen has decided to contest from Kantabanji, another assembly segment under the Balangir LS seat, alongside Hinjli. Balangir, along with Bargarh, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, and Aska, will undergo elections on May 20.
