Fresh from winning the Pipili bypoll, BJD candidate Rudra Pratap Maharathy speaks to Sujit Bisoyi about his victory and plan for the constituency.
What does this victory mean to you?
It’s an emotional moment for our family and people of Pipili as we lost our father and leader (Pradeep Maharathy) on the same day, last year. I am indebted to the people of Pipili for showering immense love and blessings in the by-election. People of our constituency have high expectations from me as there was no MLA for the past one year. So, it’s time for work and not for celebration.
What were the factors that led to your victory?
The victory has been because of the popularity, good governance and faith of the people on the leadership of chief minister Naveen Patnaik. People’s love for my father, which I had witnessed during campaigning, is also a key factor behind the victory. Development of Pipili was always a priority for my father and he has had a huge contribution in the constituency. I will follow my father’s footsteps to ensure overall development of our constituency.
Your plan for Pipili...
As I said, people have high expectations from me. I would try to stand up to their expectations. I plan to visit all the panchayats in the next few days to listen to the grievances of the people and to understand their issues and difficulties. I want to assure people that I will continue to work under their guidance and instruction.
What will be your focus areas?
Several development works initiated by my father has been pending after his sad demise. I will try to complete those. Besides, fulfilling the basic needs like good roads to all villages, pucca houses for all those eligible and clean drinking water for all.
Applique workers in Pipili are in distress...
When the election was postponed, I got a chance to reach out to all sections of people, including the applique workers. They have aired their grievances and difficulties faced by them in view of Covid-19. As Pipili is famous for its applique work, I will make all efforts to help them, including better market linkage.
How do you intend to carry forward the party work?
Even though I am young, I have learned a lot from my father. Senior leaders have also helped me in the past one year regarding organization work.
