Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal candidate from Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency Chandrani Murmu is set to be the youngest ever member of the lower house of India. Chandrani, who has won the Keonjhar seat with a margin of more than sixty six thousand votes by defeating Ananta Nayak of BJP is only 25 years, eleven months and 12 days old as on Saturday, the 25th May 2019.
Although a novice to politics, she comes from a family with political past. Her grandfather Harihar Soren was a two time Congress MP from Keonjhar. She is going to create history by becoming the youngest ever Member of Parliament from the Lok Sabha. A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Murmu was inducted into the Biju Janata Dal by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik just a few days before the elections.
The Biju Janata Dal Supremo Naveen Patnaik’s decision to send 33 percent members to the lower house came as a blessing in disguise for Chandrani. She not only fought the elections but also won and proved Naveen’s faith on her capability. With a professional degree and a passion for doing service for the people, Chandrani is all poised to take center stage in the coming days.
Hopeful of doing her best in the Parliament, she is confident that her age will not be a hindrance. “The people of Keonjhar have reposed faith in me. The Chief Minister has given me the task to serve the people of Keonjhar. I will do my best to keep their aspirations,” she said. Keonjhar is a ST reserved parliamentary constituency and is known for its rich mineral resources. The development of the area will be her utmost priority. She also has the support of Keonjhar’s seasoned politician Sanatan Mahakud.
Chandrani’s joining the Biju Janata Dal and the subsequent win is a right direction towards real women empowerment. Along with her four other members of the BJD have also won the elections and set to enter the parliament.