Bijepur by-poll: BJD’s Rita Sahu registers a massive victory

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Rita Sahu on Wednesday registered a massive victory in the by-poll for Bijepur assembly constituency by defeating Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ashok Panigrahi by a margin of 41,933 votes.

While Rita Sahu secured 10,2871 votes, her nearest rival Ashok Panigrahi got 60938 votes and Congress candidate Pranaya Sahu managed to secure 10274, informed Returning Officer Tapiram Majhi.

The by-poll was held on February 24. It was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA Subal Sahu in August 2017.

Meanwhile, celebrations erupted at BJD party headquarters here. The party workers celebrated the huge victory with firecrackers. The BJD workers were also seen dancing in joy.

BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said a victory by more than 40,000 votes will have an impact on future elections.

He said the people in the state have rejected the politics of hatred and violence.

“I am humbled by love & trust of the people of Bijepur for giving BJD a massive victory. BJD lives in the hearts of the people of Odisha. Our people are peace loving and have rejected the politics of hatred and violence,” said Patnaik reacting to the victory of BJD candidate Rita Sahu in Bijepur by-poll.

“I thank each and every BJD worker who has worked hard for this. We will continue our efforts to build a prosperous and empowered Odisha. Jai Jagannath,” tweeted Patnaik.