Politicians’ kin win in Ganjam

Berhampur: Relatives of several politicians who contested the rural polls from various panchayats in Ganjam district managed to win to carry on their family legacy.
Jitendra Keshari Arukh, younger brother of forest and environment minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, who contested from zilla parishad (ZP) zone 51 in Bhanjanagar block on a BJD ticket, won by 2,405 votes.Nibedita Pradhan, a relative of former Rajya Sabha MP Renubala Pradhan, was also elected as ZP member from zone 57 in Sheragada block on a BJD ticket winning by over 12,840 votes.
Daityari Behera, husband of Khallikote MLA Suryamani Baidya, who contested as samiti member from Danapur panchayat was elected. Similarly, Rasmita Sahu, a relative of Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu, who contested for the post of sarpanch in Hatiota panchayat, won by a huge margin.
Sulakhyana Gitanjali Debi, daughter of former Sanakhemundi MLA Nandini Devi, became samiti member in Dharakote block.
Among others, Bikram Kumar Nayak, nephew of former Kodala MLA Kanhu Charan Nayak, was elected as ZP member from zone 40 in Polasara block.
Sanjukta Pradhan, daughter in-law of former Polasara MLA and BJP leader Niranjan Pradhan, became samiti member from Mala-Tentulia panchayat.