In the Chilika Assembly constituency, sitting BJD MlA Raghunath Sahu faces a direct contest with former MlA Bibhuti Bhusan Harichandan of the BJP,who is younger brother of BJP leader and former Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan.
After resigning from Congress, former Minister Dr Debendranath Mansingh, who is yet to join any party, however, has been supporting BJP’s Bibhutibhusan. It is said he is doing it at the behest of Biswabhusan.BJD candidate Raghunath Sahu got a big setback when some heavy weight local leaders left the party and joined the BJP.However, he is spending a lot of money to create propaganda and keep a strong band of workers at his beck and call.
As his prime business is liquor, the BJP has alleged that Sahu may distribute liquor to voters and thus convert them to his side.Meanwhile, liquor consumption is increasing fast in the area during these days.Congress candidate Manasi Pradhan is a known social activist but as a leader she has not been able to create a base for her. She is not in direct touch with the voters.
Hence, her existence is negligible in Chilika constituency. Other parties like AAP and Independent candidate may get some votes which may be two to three percent of the polling.However, BJD’s lok Sabha candidate Pinaki Mishra, who is the grandson of pandit Godavarish Mishra, is in good position in Chilika.