As expected, Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik resigned as MLA from the Bijepur constituency in Bargarh district on Sunday and retained his old seat Hinjili in Ganjam district.
Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro accepted Patnaik’s resignation from Bijepur.
For the first time, he had contested from two constituencies and was elected from both by huge margins of votes.
When Patnaik announced a big package of financial assistance for development of Bijepur a couple of days ago, it was apparent that he would quit this seat but would at the same time monitor implementation of projects in the area.
According to political observers, Patnaik had contested from Bijepur to boost the BJD’s overall electoral prospects in Bargarh district.
Now, a by-election in Bijepur and an election to the Patkura Assembly seat in Kendrapada district are to held together soon. These polls are likely to be conducted in July as in the case of Patkura the Election Commission had earlier hinted about the time.