ROURKELA: The legendary but quite unassuming Dilip Tirkey is all set for a transition from Astro Turf to political turf. A defender on the field, the former India captain will now defend youths off it __ on the floor of the Rajya Sabha (RS). The BJD’s decision to field the three-time Olympian as its first candidate for the March 30 RS polls is being seen as a part of party’s bigger strategy to woo tribals ahead of 2014 polls. Dilip, who hails from back of beyond Saunamora village in Talsara Assembly segment, is idolised by tribals, a majority of whom is linked to hockey. Youths see him as a role model as he gave them an identity.But for a plain-speaking tribal boy it would not be an easy task to walk the political ramp. At least the hockey fraternity here feels so. First hockey coach in Odisha Sylvestor Toppo, who retired from the Government-run Panposh Sports Hostel in 2009, said Dilip would be a key to strength the base of BJD in the tribal heartland. Politics is a different ball game and it remains to be seen how far he is able to adapt himself to diplomacy. This is not for the first time that the regional party sought to take him to the RS. In 2009 too the BJD had wooed him but he was not prepared then. Now, observers say Dilip’s induction into the BJD will help the party dribble past the BJP and the Congress who have a foothold in the district. They said being a tribal Christian, Dilip would give the Congress a run for its money which has traditionally stakes claim to Christian minority votes.The district has a sizeable Christian vote bank. Interestingly, the stick game is more popular among the Christians. The observers said mere campaigning by Dilip for a prospective BJD candidate would tilt the scales in the party’s favour.Rourkela unit BJD president AC Mohanty said Dilip’s presence in the party would enormously benefit the BJD in 2014 polls after the recent victory in ZP elections.
Comments
0 comment