Cuttack: The Congress has not announced its candidate in Salipur Assembly constituency even though only four days are left for filing nominations.
Congress candidate Prakash Behera had won the seat in the 2014 Assembly elections. But Prakash recently left the Congress and joined the BJP. The BJP has fielded Prakash from Salipur this time.
After Prakash quit the Congress Cuttack DCC President Gurupada Nanda, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Bishwajit Das and party leader Rabindra Nath Kar started lobbying for the ticket.
The candidate issue became complicated when Biju Janata Dal (BJD) youth leader Bishwaranjan Khatai joined the Congress a few days ago.
It is learnt that Khatai was lobbying hard for the BJD ticket in Salipur. He left the BJD when the party gave its ticket to Prashant Behera.
There are speculations that the Congress may field Khatai from Salipur. Sources said some Congress leaders are opposing Khatai’s candidature and may not support him wholeheartedly.
“The Congress is neglecting its workers in Salipur. The party would face defeat if it gives the ticket to turncoats overlooking genuine workers,” said a Congress leader who is in the race for the ticket in Salipur.
Congress leader Bankanidhi Behera had expressed displeasure over the selection of party candidates. He had alleged that some Congress leaders have a tacit understanding with the BJD.
Cuttack DCC President Gurupada Nanda said they have finalised the party nominee for Salipur and had sent it to the central leadership. “The name of our candidate would be announced in a day or two. The party is giving importance to winnability while selecting candidates,” Nanda added.
Voting would be held in Salipur April 29. Candidates have to file nominations by April 9.
