Ex-DGP Prakash Mishra files papers as BJP LS candidate

Former Odisha DGP Prakash Chandra Mishra Wednesday filed his nomination papers from the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat as a BJP candidate.

Mishra, also a former Director General of CRPF, had joined the BJP last month.

The retired IPS officer would contest from Cuttack, a traditional BJD seat that had reposed faith on journalist- turned-politician Bhartruhari Mahatab for last five terms.

Apart from Mahatab, Mishra will also lock horns with another seasoned politician, Panchanan Kanungo of the Congress. Polling for the seat will take place on April 23.

Mahatab and Kanungo also filed their nominations papers on the day.

"There is a remarkable turnaround visible among the voters in the state, who are disgusted with the ruling BJD, and want a change," Mishra said.

Mishra said Cuttack district and particularly the Millennium City was always very close to his heart during his service period.

"I have spent more time in this district and even during my DG tenure, I was staying in the city whereas many of my predecessors were staying at Bhubaneswar. The city has many inherent problems and the present dispensation have consistently neglected it," he said.