A big question in the minds of the people of Odisha and political observers alike is whether Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s friend-turned-foe Bijoy Mohapatra will finally win his first election in 19 years.
Mohapatra, 68, is the BJP candidate in the by-poll for Patkura Assembly constituency in the coastal Kendrapara district that votes on July 30. The by-poll is a high-stake affair for him as many say this will be the last election he contests. The result will also be seen as a reflection of Patnaik’s charisma and the newfound bonhomie between the ruling party and the main opposition BJP.