Raipur, September 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Ojasvi Mandavi, the wife of deceased party leader Bhima Mandavi from the Dantewad seat for the upcoming Assembly by-election. The seat fell vacant after Bhima Mandavi was killed in a Naxal attack on April 9, 2019. The by-election will take place on September 23. The Maoists had attacked convoy of the BJP leader by triggering an improvised explosive device (IED) followed by firing. Apart from Mandavi, five security personnel were also killed in the attack. The BJP legislator's vehicle was last in the convoy. By-Elections to 4 Assembly Seats in Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh to be Held on September 23.

Ojasvi Mandavi is up against Congress’ Devati Karma. The fight on the seat is considered a direct contest between the Congress and BJP leader. BJP’s Ojasvi Mandavi expressed confidence and thanked the party for support. Maoists Attack BJP Convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada, MLA Bhima Mandavi Among Six Killed.

Talking to reporters, she said that, “I will prepare and try my best to win the elections. I will start my campaign from Shyamgiri area where naxals killed my husband. I want to fulfill his dream to work for the welfare of the people here.”

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Ojasvi Mandavi's main opponent from the Dantewad Assembly election is considered to be Devati Karma. Devati Karma's husband Mahendra Karma was also killed in a Naxal attack and though she lost the previous elections by 2,100 votes, the Congress has once again trusted Devati from the seat.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2019 10:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).