BJD fields Hemendra Chandra Singh's widow as candidate for Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat

The ruling BJD on Tuesday declared late Hemendra Chandra Singh's widow Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh as its candidate for the October-15 by-election in Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat which fell vacant following the death of her husband.

"The wife of late Hemendra Singh, who was Member of Parliament from Kandhamal constituency, Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh has been chosen as the candidate for the Kandhamal by-election," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters here.

"He (Hemendra) has a very good reputation for the hard work. She will continue the good work for the people of Kandhamal," Patnaik said.

Pratyusha, who hailed from a royal family in Nepal, was married to Hemendra Singh of Nayagarh royal family.

"I thank Naveenji for choosing me as the party candidate, I'll serve the people of Kandhamal and fulfil the dream of my husband," Pratysha said.

Pratyusha had met the Patnaik three days ago and informed him about her willingness to contest the polls.

Pratyusha's name was announced by Patnaik, a day after BJP named former BJD MP Rudra Madhav Ray as its candidate for the seat.

While BJD and BJP have already announced their candidates for the by-poll, opposition Congress is yet to make any decision.

The by-election was necessitated following the death of Hemendra Singh on September 5.