BJD's Rita Sahu files nomination for bypoll in Odisha

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Rita Sahu on Monday filed her nomination papers for the upcoming by-election to Odisha's Bijepur assembly seat scheduled for February 24.

Sahu along with hundreds of supporters including senior leaders of the ruling party reached the Padmapur sub-collector's office in Bargarh district in a mega rally to file the nomination papers.

After filing the nomination papers, Sahu, widow of Congress MLA Subal Sahu, exuded confidence about winning the by-election on the BJD ticket. She and her son Sumit had joined the BJD on September 23 last year.

The assembly seat had fallen vacant following the demise of MLA Subal Sahu on August 22 last year. Subal Sahu was elected three times from the seat on a Congress ticket.

Congress candidate Pranaya Sahu will file his nomination papers on February 6, the last date to file nominations, said Congress sources.

BJP candidate Ashok Panigrahy was the first contender to file his nomination last week.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Monday started its poll campaign in the assembly constituency by holding meetings to canvass votes for the party candidate Ashok Panigrahi.

--IANS

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