BJD has replaced its incumbent MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi with Pradeep Kumar Majhi, who previously contested the 2019 poll on a Congress ticket. Pradeep had won the Nabarangpur LS seat in 2014 on a Congress ticket.

While Congress has fielded Bhujabal Majhi, BJP has nominated Balabhadra Majhi.

Historically, a Congress stronghold, Nabarangpur LS seat saw a shift in power dynamics with the BJP securing victories in 1999 and 2004 in alliance with the BJD. However, Congress regained its footing in 2009, only to lose it to the BJD in 2014 and 2019. In 2019, the BJD bagged five out of the seven assembly seats under the Nabarangpur parliamentary constituency, while the remaining two were won by BJP.

“The Naveen Patnaik govt has undertaken tremendous development initiatives in Nabarangpur LS constituency, especially in irrigation, education and infrastructure. We are confident of retaining the seat,” said BJD candidate Pradeep.

He highlighted key projects such as the Govindapalli integrated irrigation project, built at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore with an aim to irrigate 92,815 acres of land in Malkangiri, Mathili, Khairput and Korukonda blocks, and sanction of five model colleges for Nabarangpur district.

“Additionally, irrigation projects like Parbati Giri mega lift and Turi-Gunthat irrigation projects aim to bolster agricultural activities in the region. Apart from these projects, around a dozen small and medium irrigation projects are nearing completion in the constituency,” said Pradeep.

On the other hand, claiming that construction of roads, schools and electrification of villages are routine development works and that no single person can be credited for them, Congress candidate Bhujabal highlighted irrigation challenges, educational gaps and insufficient healthcare facilities in the constituency.

“Majority of agricultural land is yet to be irrigated in Nabarangpur. People have tested both the BJD and BJP candidates and they are seeking a change. There is a palpable wind in favour of Congress and I am confident of winning the seat,” said Bhujabal.

He said BEd colleges in Malkangiri and Nabarangpur remain non-operational even after a decade. The district headquarters hospital in Nabarangpur is operating with less than its sanctioned medical staff, he alleged.

While both the BJD and Congress expressed confidence that it will be a fight between the two, BJP nominee Balabhadra said there are several issues directly related to farmers, youths and the general public which will influence the election.

“The state govt has failed to complete the land acquisition process for the Jeypore-Malkangiri and Jeypore-Nabarangpur railway lines, which were sanctioned in the Union Budget of 2016-17. I have always remained connected with the people and am sure of winning the election,” said Balabhadra.

“The region, known for its sugarcane and maize production, lacks processing units, leaving farmers at a disadvantage. Promised projects like the ethanol plant worth Rs 500 crore in Umerkote are yet to see progress,” said Brundaban Tripathy, a farmer of Nabarangpur.

Source – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/nabarangpur-shapes-up-for-triangular-fight/articleshow/109674477.cms

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