BJD, BJP key contenders in Bargarh LS seat

With the Congress fielding a greenhorn, Bargarh Lok Sabha seat is witnessing an intense battle betwen two heavyweights of the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP.

The grand old party has pitted Pradip Debata, a businessman, against BJD stalwart and sitting Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya, and BJP national secretary Suresh Pujari in the backward constituency in western Odisha.

Fighting his maiden electoral battle, Debata is facing a tough fight at the hustings as both Pujari and Acharya are known for their oratory skills and political experience.

"The people in Bargarh are unhappy with the Naveen Patnaik government which has failed to bring development," Debata said.

"The BJD government has also failed to improve irrigation facilities during its 19-year rule, and not a single industry has been set up in Bargarh," he said.

Describing development as BJD's main agenda, Prasanna Acharya said, "our party symbolises progress of all sections of society. I am highlighting the developmental works and the welfare measures of the state government while campaigning."
Exuding confidence about his victory, he said "the region has witnessed speedy development during BJD rule. People are now getting basic facilities such as road connectivity, drinking water supply and electricity."
Blaming the BJD government for poverty in the drought-prone region, BJP's nominee Suresh Pujari said, "A strong Modi wave is sweeping across the country and voters in Bargarh are also highly impressed with the development works and welfare measures undertaken by the BJP-led government at the Centre."