Bhubaneswar: The simultaneous elections scheduled over four phases in Odisha in April could see many sons and daughters of veteran leaders in the fray as many are trying to launch their children in the twin polls. The ruling party has more such leaders compared to the opposition.Many BJD veterans, who have opted not to fight the elections are trying to accommodate their wards in segments they have been representing for years. While some wait for long hours at Naveen Niwas, others stay in their constituencies to work on their popularity so that their children get the tickets.“I have won five elections and don’t want to contest anymore because of old-age. I have requested the chief minister to consider my youngest son (Nihar Ranjan) from Loisingha assembly constituency. The chief minister assured to examine,” said former minister Jogendra Behera.The 78-year old, who represented Titlagarh (1990-2009) and Loisingha (2014-19), said he has high hopes from the BJD president. Nihar Ranjan, who met Naveen along with his father, said he has been helping his father strengthen the party organisation in the constituency since two years.Latika Pradhan, who belongs to an established political family of Ganjam district, is eyeing BJD ticket from Sanakhemundi constituency. Latika’s father Nityananda was a two-time CPI MLA from Kabisuryanagar and elected as BJD MP from Aska Lok Sabha seat (2009-14). Though Latika managed BJD ticket from Kabisuryanagar in 2014, it was given to V Sugnana Kumari Deo at the last moment.“I am acquainted with politics since my childhood. I was elected as chairman (Seragada block) in 1997 and became a zilla parishad member in 2003. I have been sincerely doing organisational works and optimistic that the party president will consider me,” said Latika.Political analysts said though deserving youths joining politics is a positive sign, they said the dynasty politics should be discouraged by all political parties. As a six-time legislator and minister Bijayshree Routray, representing Basudevpur seat in Bhadrak since 1990, announced to quit politics, his son Bishnubrata is a front-runner from his fathers bastion, though BJD is yet to take a call on it.Balangir royal scion Arkesh Singh Deo, Asit, the son of five-time Bhadrak MLA Jugal Patnaik and Abhimanyu, son of Bhadrak MP Arjun Sethi also want to take the plunge into politics. Children of many senior leaders may also enter the fray as Navjyoti, son of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik may be Congress nominee from Balasore Lok Sabha seat. Sources said senior Congress leader Bhakta Das is pushing for the candidature of his son Sagar, from Bhawanipatna assembly seat. The Congress leaders were not available for comments.

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