Odisha bypolls | BJD not to hold public rallies, announces Naveen Patnaik

The Pipili bypoll which was scheduled to be held on April 17, was postponed following death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj in COVID-19

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi suspended all his rallies in West Bengal, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced that his party would not hold any public rallies or campaign meetings for the ensuing Pipili bypoll. The Pipili bypoll which was scheduled to be held on April 17, was postponed following death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj in . Subsequently, the Election Commission of India has announced May 13 as new date for polling for bypoll. In a series of tweets, Mr. Patnaik said, “every life is precious and I always consider people of Odisha as my family members. In this extremely serious COVID-19 situation amidst surge in cases in the country, the Biju Janata Dal has decided not to hold any public rallies or campaign meetings in Pipili bypoll.”