Bhubaneswar: The political equation in Odisha’s tribal dominated Sundergarh district is changing fast after Union Minister Jual Oram urged Saturday former Rourkela MLA Dilip Ray to rejoin the BJP ahead of the second phase of polling in the state, April 18.
“The issues raised by Dilip Babu have been solved as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has assured him that the work of the second bridge across Brahmani river and conversion of the Ispat General Hospital (IGH) into a super speciality hospital are being expedited,” Oram told reporter. “With the fulfillment of his demand, there should be no hindrance for Ray to rejoin the BJP,” the minister added.
Ray had quit the BJP last year. He had also resigned from the membership of the state legislative assembly over the non-fulfillment of promises made to the people of Rourkela.
It should be mentioned here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the steel city in 2015 had promised a second bridge over the river Brahmani and upgradation of IGH into a super speciality hospital.
In a communication to Ray, the PMO informed that work has already been initiated by the Union Steel Ministry as per the revised estimate for the hospital project. Ray was also informed that the fund has been transferred to SAIL through SBI, February 21 while the remaining amount will be provided in time.
Ray has expressed his happiness over the development in a tweet.
Oram needs Ray’s help in the elections as the former Rourkela MLA had ensured his (Oram’s) victory from the Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat in 2014. It should also be stated here that Ray had ensured a lead of 21,859 votes for Oram from the Rourkela Assembly segment.
Oram had defeated his BJD rival and hockey icon Dilip Tirkey by 18,829 votes last time. So the support that Ray provided for Oram turned out to be a deciding factor.
