The long wait is finally over for Odisha Jan Morcha and its leader Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, as the Election Commission has finally granted them a symbol to fight elections. Pyari’s outfit has been given ‘Kite’ or ‘Patang’ or ‘Gudi’ as the political symbol.

In the absence of a symbol, the OJM could not fight the ULB polls in Odisha. However, now it’s hopeful of contesting the upcoming polls in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and Sambalpur Municipal Corporations to make its presence felt. In addition, the party is moving towards forming a grand alliance along with some like-minded parties in order to take on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.

OJM founder Pyari Mohan Mohapatra announced the symbol at a huge press conference at his residence this afternoon. Hundreds of workers and leaders were present and cheered this development. Pyari had formed the Odisha Jan Morcha party on April 9, 2013 even if it was launched as a movement initially before his permanent expulsion from the BJD. It would be interesting to see what changes Pyari can bring in Odisha’s political arena.