With the BJP’s Dilip Ray having launched an aggressive campaigning, other parties, especially BJD, seem to be in a difficult position in Rourkela Assembly seat.
The local BJD unit has failed to capitalise on the Naveen wave in the Steel city. The selection of Sarada Nayak has been a bone of contention for many BJD workers and leaders. Despite the tainted image of Nayak, his nomination has spread resentment among the BJD rank and file. A strong lobby was building up against Nayak during BJD nominee selection but the leadership cast a blind eye to it and fielded Nayak from the constituency. This made many pass into a sulk and quit the party out of frustration.
On the other hand, Ray is very much popular for his good behaviour and amiability compared to Nayak’s rashness. That is why he is well ahead of Nayak so far as public acceptability is concerned.
To put check on Ray, the BJD has organised a road show with Ollywood star Anubhav Mohanty in Rourkela for a whole day. But the turnout to the road show was dismal. Kalpataru Das held a marathon campaign with a series of public meetings in Rourkela constituency. But that also seem to have failed to evoke any response. At many of Das’s meetings, the attendance of public was thin. However, the BJD unit hopes for a change in its position here after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s meeting on April 7.