Elections 2024: Nimapara MLA Samir Dash To Contest As Independent Candidate!

Bhubaneswar, Apr 27: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and sitting MLA Samir Ranjan Dash may contest as an independent candidate from the Nimapara Assembly constituency against the party's nominee Dillip Kumar Nayak, sources said on Saturday.

The BJD denied party ticket to Dash, who won from Nimapara seat thrice in a row in 2009, 2014 and 2019, and fielded Dillip Kumar Nayak for the ensuing polls.

However, the sitting MLA's supporters have been opposing the party's move and set April 30 as the deadline for the party, demanding reconsideration of Dash or his wife Sangita Dash for Nimapara seat.

According to sources, Dash and his supporters are conducting a series of meetings over the alternate course of action if the party would not reconsider his candidature.

Also Read: BJD Infight: Nimapada MLA Samir Das Shows His Supporters' Strength Against Ticket Denial

Earlier on April 20, thousands of supporters of the sitting MLA took out a massive rally, demanding reconsideration of his candidacy for the Nimapara seat.

Das was in the eye of a storm for his suspected role behind the suicide of BJD Zilla Parishad Member Dharmendra Sahoo in September 2022. He is also accused of harassing women BJD workers including deceased Sahoo's wife.