The All Indian Congress Committee (AICC) has revealed its selection of candidates for the upcoming General Elections 2024 in Odisha, as conveyed in a press release on Sunday. The list encompasses two MP candidates and eight MLA candidates for the state. One notable inclusion is ex-BJD leader Nagendra Pradhan, who recently joined the Congress fold, chosen as the party's nominee for the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat. Pradhan, a former representative of the constituency from 2014-19, replaces Congress's previously announced candidate Dulal Chandra Pradhan.
The party has also fielded Suresh Mohapatra on Cuttack Lok Sabha seat.
In a similar vein, alterations have been made to the candidates for two Assembly seats. Pramod Kumar Hembram replaces Badal Hembram as the Congress candidate for the Baripada (ST) assembly seat, while Baijayantimala Mohanty takes the place of Manoj Kumar Pradhan for the Khandapada assembly seat.
A highly anticipated inclusion is that of Sofia Firdous, daughter of incumbent Congress MLA Md Moquim, who has been named as the candidate for the Barabati-Cuttack assembly seat after extensive deliberations.
Additionally, former MLA Debi Prasad Chand and Monalisa Lenka have been nominated for the Jaleswar and Balasore assembly seats respectively. Ajay Samal and Dakir Samal have been chosen for the Badachana and Pallhara assembly segments respectively, while Pratima Mallick will contest from the Jagatsinghpur assembly segment.
The Congress has unveiled 142 candidates for the 147-member assembly elections in Odisha, reserving two assembly seats for JMM and CPI(M). The state is gearing up for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
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Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'PAANN' Jibe In Odisha
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during an election rally in Cuttack's Salepur, criticised both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Gandhi alleged that Modi caters to billionaires from Delhi while Patnaik governs for a select few in Odisha.
Gandhi claimed, "Though the BJD and BJP were ostensibly in opposition, they collaborate closely," implying a hidden alliance between the two parties. He further asserted, "Uncle-ji and Naveen-babu have given Odisha PAANN, meaning Pandian, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik."
Gandhi outlined Congress's proposed initiatives if they come to power, promising financial assistance to poor families, job guarantees for unemployed youths, and various welfare schemes. He pledged support for tribal rights and highlighted Congress's commitment to waive off farm loans and ensure a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.
The Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in Odisha are scheduled to be held simultaneously in four phases, commencing on May 13. The state boasts 21 Lok Sabha seats and a 147-member assembly.