Bhubaneswar-Central: 73-year-old tries his luck again from high-profile seat | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: After a hectic campaign, 73-year-old Sanatan Behera was taking a nap on a wooden bench at Nayapalli Durga Puja mandap. A few metres away, some labourers were also taking rest during lunch break.
Unlike other candidates in the fray, Behera neither has fancy campaign vehicles, huge banners and posters nor many supporters shouting slogans for him.But this Independent candidate from Bhubaneswar-Central assembly seat feels he can offer voters something more than what mainstream parties can give.
“I am into politics since the time my rivals were still wet behind the ears. I contested for the first time as an Independent candidate in 1985 with lion as my poll symbol. After that I unsuccessfully contested three times from Bhubaneswar assembly seat. Winning and losing in the did not stop me from working for the city, but if I win, I will do what others will not,” said Behera, a tall and thin man with a sharp voice.
With Rs 60,000 cash in hand, Behera has jumped into the poll fray. Born and brought up in Bhubaneswar, Behera has played an active role in development of the city’s haats, bastis and several colleges. Worried over the unplanned growth of the city and increasing corruption in the system, Behera decided to try his luck once again in the elections.
“I am asking for votes, but I am asking people what have others done over the years to the city? Can any party or politician promise that they will reduce the per head loan burden which is Rs 70,800 in 2023-24, if they will win? They are making tall claims about development, roads, bridges, airports. But where did they get funds to do this? The funds are either taxpayers’ money or loans,” said Behera, who earlier contested election on tickets of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) from the high-profile seat.
A familiar face in the city’s markets, Durga Puja celebrations, slums, protest rallies, animal lover Behera has been working for stray cows and dogs. A member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NUBC), OBC Commission, Rashtriya Govansh Ayog, Behera was instrumental in setting up various private colleges in the city like Patia College, Debray College, Biju Patnaik College and Kasturba Women’s Law College.
“Bhubaneswar Central has the maximum elite and highly educated voters in the state. The voters of this constituency will not go by any bribe or be swayed by the false promises. They know the true colours of these politicians. That is why they don’t come out to vote. I have seen this city growing and felt pain looking at the unplanned growth, illegal encroachments, unclean city leading to deteriorating health condition of people,” he pointed out.
Bhubaneswar-Central has as many as 2,13,223 electors and will vote on May 25.
Unlike other candidates in the fray, Behera neither has fancy campaign vehicles, huge banners and posters nor many supporters shouting slogans for him.But this Independent candidate from Bhubaneswar-Central assembly seat feels he can offer voters something more than what mainstream parties can give.
“I am into politics since the time my rivals were still wet behind the ears. I contested for the first time as an Independent candidate in 1985 with lion as my poll symbol. After that I unsuccessfully contested three times from Bhubaneswar assembly seat. Winning and losing in the did not stop me from working for the city, but if I win, I will do what others will not,” said Behera, a tall and thin man with a sharp voice.
With Rs 60,000 cash in hand, Behera has jumped into the poll fray. Born and brought up in Bhubaneswar, Behera has played an active role in development of the city’s haats, bastis and several colleges. Worried over the unplanned growth of the city and increasing corruption in the system, Behera decided to try his luck once again in the elections.
“I am asking for votes, but I am asking people what have others done over the years to the city? Can any party or politician promise that they will reduce the per head loan burden which is Rs 70,800 in 2023-24, if they will win? They are making tall claims about development, roads, bridges, airports. But where did they get funds to do this? The funds are either taxpayers’ money or loans,” said Behera, who earlier contested election on tickets of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) from the high-profile seat.
A familiar face in the city’s markets, Durga Puja celebrations, slums, protest rallies, animal lover Behera has been working for stray cows and dogs. A member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NUBC), OBC Commission, Rashtriya Govansh Ayog, Behera was instrumental in setting up various private colleges in the city like Patia College, Debray College, Biju Patnaik College and Kasturba Women’s Law College.
“Bhubaneswar Central has the maximum elite and highly educated voters in the state. The voters of this constituency will not go by any bribe or be swayed by the false promises. They know the true colours of these politicians. That is why they don’t come out to vote. I have seen this city growing and felt pain looking at the unplanned growth, illegal encroachments, unclean city leading to deteriorating health condition of people,” he pointed out.
Bhubaneswar-Central has as many as 2,13,223 electors and will vote on May 25.
