Rayagada: Jagannath Nundruka a new leader in reckoning in South Odisha

Likely to contest assembly polls, tribal communities strongly back Nundruka

By Srikanta Kumar Rout

Bhubaneswar/ Rayagada, March 21: A new leader is emerging in the political landscape of Odisha’s Rayagada district, raising serious challenges for the existing towering leaders in the region. Jagannath Nundruka, a former top Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, the new leader in the offing, has impressed leaders of both the parties with his massive following.

An educated and well-informed person belonging to the tribal community, Nudruka held numerous coveted positions in BJD organisation. He served as the vice president of Rayagada district BJD unit. His organizationa ability was well-recognised when he was appointed as the president of the prestigious Koraput Central-Cooperative Bank. He was also OSCB Director.

Having a strong bond with the local primitive Dongaria Kondh tribal and scheduled caste communities, Nundruka has now emerged as natural claimant for the BJP ticket for Bissam-Cuttack assembly constituency. His previous stints as Sarapanch of Sibapadar gram panchayat (GP) and Samiti member of Saradhapur GP saw the gram panchayats under the Muniguda block witnessing massive transformations in terms of infrastructure development and people getting access basic needs like education and healthcare.

The two-time Sarapanch and as much time Samiti member also served as the president Special Development Council, the highest development planning body of the district.

Along with his wife Dukhini Nundruka who is now Muniguda block chairperson, Nundruka has left no stone unturned to bring cheers to the local communities by ensuring socio security measures to them. He has ensured monthly pensions to elderly persons, widows, transgenders, persons with physical disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

“An aspiring and able leader as he is, Jagannath Nundruka can give a good fight to Jagannath Saraka, the tribal affairs minister of Odisha, in his home turf. Since he has strong following across communities as a natural leader, he has a bright chance of winning the seat,” said Dr G.C. Rout, a tribal researcher.