Odisha’s Senior Cong Leader Narasingha Mishra Not To Contest Assembly Polls

Balangir: Odisha’s veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra on Sunday announced that he would not contest in Assembly elections in 2024.

Speaking to media persons here, Mishra said he has taken the final decision of not contesting in the Assembly elections. “I have mentally decided not to enter the fray this time. I will officially inform the party high command in this regard soon,” he said.

The 83-year-old MLA from Balangir said he took the decision on health ground. But it is upto the party to take the decision and he would abide by it, he added.

Mishra suggested that his son Samarendra Mishra would contest as Congress candidate from Balangir Assembly constituency. “Though I am sure that Samarendra would get the party ticket, it has not been finalised by the party,” he added.

However, he said he would actively support the Congress in election activities including campaigning for its candidates in the district.

Samarendra, who had contested as Congress candidate from Balangir in Lok Sabha elections in 2019, is a member of All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Speaking to media on the sideline of a function in Cuttack on Saturday, Samarendra said he was interested to contest as Congress nominee from Balangir Assembly seat.