Keonjhar: One of the youngest Lok Sabha candidates, Chandrani Murmu from Keonjhar, has faced several incidents of humiliation during campaigning for the BJD. The 25-year-old engineer, who has been pitted against former MP and BJP nominee Ananta Nayak, claimed that she had been a victim of biased targeting from the opposition as well as cybercrime

Crimes against Murmu

The Institute of Technical Education & Research graduate said that one of the opposition party in the state raised the issue of discrepancies found in her father’s name before the Chief Electoral Officer.

Not only this, one of Murmu’s image was also morphed and put in an obscene video that went viral in no time. Following these incidents, five men were arrested.

Aftermath

“I never thought there would be a slanderous campaign against me. No woman should be subjected to such humiliation,” says Murmu, according to reports.
Not letting these incidents bog her down, Murmu still greets bystanders with a smile.
However, Murmu’s effort is not going to vain. Bidyadhar Pradhan, a resident of Palas Ponga village, is of the opinion that a young and new candidate should be given chance.

How Murmu entered politics

Murmu was preparing for government jobs when the BJD approached her to join politics. According to reports, the BJD gave tickets to seven educated women from Keonjhar, a reserved tribal constituency.
 
“Initially, I was nervous. My main concern was whether people would have faith in me. However, now after getting the love of people and experiencing the love they have for sankha (BJD symbol conch), I am more confident of winning,” said Murmu.
 
Murmu’s maternal grandfather was also in politics. He was elected to Parliament on a Congress ticket in 1980 and 1984. “While I was growing up in his home, the atmosphere there used to be politically-charged. So many people visited him and discussed political matters. Even when my grandfather was not an MP, he would always watch the telecast of Parliament sessions on Doordarshan,” Murmu recalls.
 
Talking about what changes she wants to bring in her constituency, Murmu said: “I am learning the ropes as I go. I have a long road ahead. Travelling across my constituency has acquainted me with the problems people are facing. If elected, I would try to solve the drinking water and unemployment problems.”