Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra
BHUBANESWAR: The Congress, which has been hamstrung by the death of Ajit Mangaraj just days ahead of the Pipili bypoll, and was forced to field Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra in his place, said it would try to put up a fight in the byelection scheduled on May 16. Mohapatra, an advocate by profession and associated with Congress Seva Dal, will file his nomination paper on Monday.
Briefing reporters here, veteran Congress leader Suresh Routray said Mohapatra is a good choice. “We had planned to field someone from Mangaraj’s family. But since none was interested to contest in the election, we have fielded Mohapatra based on suggestions of local Congress workers. We will try to reach out to voters through door-to-door campaign and try to give a good fight in the bypoll,” said Routray.