Bhubaneswar, 16 October (H.S.) : A day after being announced as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate for the upcoming Nuapada by-election, senior leader Snehangini Chhuria on Thursday asserted her full commitment to contesting the poll and dismissed allegations labelling her as an outsider.
Speaking to reporters, Chhuria said, “Winning or losing is secondary, but I am determined to fight. I am not an outsider. The people of Nuapada support me, and my community stands firmly with me.”
Chhuria, a two-time former MLA from Attabira, clarified that her candidature was finalised with collective consensus within the party. “I was part of the committee that selected the candidate, and with everyone’s agreement, I was chosen,” she said, emphasizing unity within the BJD.
Taking a sharp swipe at BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, Chhuria accused him of betraying his late father’s legacy. “Jay Dholakia has dishonoured the pride and respect of Dholakia ‘Bapa’. He has sold his father’s legacy for political gain and does not deserve any sympathy,” she remarked.
On the recent resignation of senior BJD leader Lambodar Nial, who joined the BJP earlier this week, Chhuria downplayed its significance, saying his exit would have “no impact” on the BJD’s prospects in the bypoll.
The Nuapada Assembly by-election, scheduled for November 11, is witnessing a heated political contest, with the BJD and BJP both deploying high-profile leaders and aggressive campaigning to secure the seat.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
