Pipili by-poll: BJD will not hold public meetings due to Covid-19

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided not to hold any public rallies or campaign meetings ahead of May 13 by-election in Pipili assembly constituency.

“Every life is precious and I always consider people of #Odisha as my family members. In this extremely serious #COVID19 situation amidst surge in cases in the country, @bjd_odisha has decided not to hold any public rallies or campaign meetings in Pipili bypoll,” tweeted BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

He said BJD as a responsible party will not like to put the lives of people in danger.

“We contest elections to serve people. If the campaign has potential to endanger lives, I would earnestly appeal to political parties & Election Commission of India to reconsider both the duration & method of campaigning,” he said.

“India is a mature democracy and together we can come out with a solution. Democracy is by the people, for the people and of the people. Jai Hind,” he further tweeted.