Battle for Jharsuguda bypoll: Development and lawlessness take centre stage

Jharsuguda: The upcoming Jharsuguda bypoll has set the stage for a fierce political battle between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The contrasting narratives presented by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlight the key issues of development and lawlessness in the district. With both parties vying for the support of the electorate, the outcome of this bypoll holds significance for the future of Jharsuguda.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while addressing a meeting in Jharsuguda, appealed to the people to cast their votes in favor of Deepali Das, the BJD candidate.

Patnaik praised the works of Naba Das, Deepali’s father, and expressed confidence in her ability to continue his legacy. The Chief Minister emphasized BJD’s commitment to the development and empowerment of women, farmers, and youth, aligning with the party’s core principles.

The Chief Minister has also lauded Jharsuguda’s industrial growth and expressed confidence that it will become a hub of industrialisation in the country.

On the other hand, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has targeted the Naveen Patnaik led BJD government for lawlessness and lack of development in Jharsuguda.

Pradhan has alleged that lawlessness prevails in the peaceful district of Jharsuguda and highlighted incidents such as the killing of a Cabinet Minister by an official of his own government and a teenage boy’s murder for extortion.

He has also claimed that Jharsuguda lacks in many sectors, including healthcare and education, despite being an industry-rich district.