Bhubaneswar: The political atmosphere in the bypoll-bound Bijepur has become charged as all the three major political parties - the BJD, the BJP and the Congress - have intensified their campaign. Voting in the constituency will take place on February 24.

On Tuesday, Union minister for labour and employment Santosh Gangawar visited Bijepur and addressed a number of rallies in support of the party's candidate Ashok Panigrahi, who joined the saffron party in December after snapping his old ties with the BJD.

Gangawar said: "Naveen Patnaik has ruled the state almost for 18 years and Narendra Modi is in the government for the last three years. The output of both the governments is being noticed."

"Our main focus is on how to increase the income of the farmers two folds. By 2022, the income of the farmers will reach new heights. The voters of the areas are very cautious and they are in need of support. We will ensure that Odisha does not lag behind in development."

However, this time Gangawar's visit to the area was peaceful. In June 2016, BJD workers had pelted stones at his motorcade while he was on his way to attend BJP's Vikash Utsav in Bijepur.

The BJD continued its door campaign and leaders of the party including former minister Sanjay Dasburma and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak are camping in Bijepur. "Our chief minister is making all out efforts for the development of the state," said Dasburma. BJD candidate Rita Sahu said: "All women have come forward to support me. I have the blessings of the people here." However, BJD workers are waiting for Naveen's meeting at Bijepur.

Congress' Pranay Sahu, who is considered a dark horse, has also stepped up his campaign.

Party leaders, including Srikant Jena and Sarat Rout, continued to campaign for the party on Tuesday.

Rout said: "The party has fielded the ablest candidate here. Here, the party has won thrice. The people will cast their votes in favour of our candidate once again."