BJD candidate Amaresh Jena offers puja at Chintamaniswar temple ahead of polling day. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 7: For the past 11 days, candidates have been wooing voters, but on poll eve most of them spent the entire day seeking divine blessings.

Though they looked upbeat during the campaign trail, most of the candidates came across as a bit too nervous and when asked about the probable outcome they left it to the almighty.

Some of them were not willing to leave anything to chance and spent the day visiting temples, while others organised puja at home.

“I made my best efforts while campaigning. As a sitting councillor, I have also executed a number of development projects. Yet I offered prayers in the temple for my success,” said Amaresh Jena, a BJD candidate contesting from ward No. 45.

Sitting BJP councillor Lala Ashok Kumar Ray, who is contesting from ward No. 40, said that his brother’s wife died on December 25.

“It has been a difficult time for me. Still I campaigned from door-to-door. I could not visit a temple, but prayed at home. I am confident of victory, because there are so many rebels in the BJD,” said Ray.

Ray’s rival Rama Chandra Pradhan is a formidable opponent. He has been busy preparing for the polling tomorrow with his supporters.

Though she has campaigned hard, Congress candidate from ward No. 41 Sasmita Sahoo turned to the almighty on poll eve.

“My husband was the local councillor here and the development work done by him will stand me in good stead. But I still need divine support and have been praying fervently for success.”

Manasirani Sundarray, who is contesting from ward No. 25, organised a puja at home before setting out on a whirlwind tour of her ward on foot.

“It is like the puja we used to perform before taking our exams in school. I have left everything to the almighty. I am sure he will reward me for my hard work,” said Sundarray.

There are also some superstitious candidates. To achieve success, one of them has been wearing eight rings on the advice of an astrologer. “He has assured me the rings will bring me luck. I believe in him,” said the leader, who did not wish to be named.

Yet another candidate, who also requested anonymity, is invariably dressed in spotless white hoping an all white outfit would fetch him luck.

This, however, is not to suggest that the candidates are banking solely on divine help. Most of them worked hard today preparing for the polling day tomorrow.