An idol maker who was nominated by the Congress to contest polls from the Rourkela Assembly seat has declined the offer.
Muktikanta Biswal hogged the limelight after he walked 1,500 km to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over upgradation of the Ispat General Hospital (IGH) and a second bridge over Brahmani river. The 31-year-old undertook the 71-day-long walkathon to remind the PM of his unfulfilled promises.
The Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) late on Friday night had released a list of 54 candidates in which Biswal found mention. However, resentment over his candidature was voiced at a meeting presided over by former party district unit president Biren Senapati. This ostensibly prompted Biswal to change his mind to contest the polls. “I will not contest elections. I will continue my fight for a super-speciality hospital at the IGH and a second bridge over Brahmani river,” Biswal said.
