Dilip Ray to be BJP candidate from Rourkela: Jual

Bhubaneswar: Former union minister Dilip Ray, who was given relief by the Delhi High Court in a coal scam case, is likely to contest the Assembly polls from Rourkela on the BJP ticket.

Speaking to media persons today, BJP’s MP candidate for Sundargarh and former Union Minister Jual Oram said Dilip Ray’s ticket has been finalised and he will enter the poll campaign shortly.

Jual said that it is almost certain that Ray will contest from the Rourkela Assembly seat on a BJP ticket and in a day or two, the party will announce his candidature.

Ray was elected thrice in the past from Rourkela.

Notably, the Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the conviction of Ray in connection with a coal scam case.

Ray was convicted by the trial court for the offence punishable under Section 120B, 409, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 13(1)(c) or 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and sentenced to undergo a sentence of 3 years and payment of a fine.

Ray has moved the Delhi High Court praying for a stay on the conviction so that he could contest the upcoming elections. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while staying the conviction, observed that “In case the applicant’s-prayer is not allowed, he will lose the chance to contest the election and an irreversible consequence and irreversible damage to his political career will be caused.”

The judge further stated that the desire to serve his constituency will not be fulfilled and grave injustice will be caused to him.