Khagapati Pradhani, the dhoti-clad Congress politician from the tribal-dominated Nawarangpur area is an unusual politician who is rarely seen at public meetings and functions. Even most of his voters have not seen him. But, he has won all elections since 1967.

It used to be a very simple affair for Congress to nominate a candidate for the Nawarangpur constituency. But, this time round the tribal leader has given a rude shock to the party by deciding not to contest the ensuing elections.

"I have requested Soniaji to spare me this time," Pradhani told The Financial Express. He said he had decided not to contest for personal reasons.

However, sources in the state Congress said that Pradhani's name hasbeen recommended for renomination from Nawarangpur. The invincible leader has been requested to change his decision in the interest of the party, the sources said.

With Pradhani requesting for a break, hectic political activities has been reported from the constituency. The name of Parama Pujari, minister of state for Panchyati Raj, is doing the rounds at the Congress headquarter here. With party high command keen on fielding more number of women candidates, Pujari's candidature may find favour in case Pradhani did change his decision.

The names of former state deputy speaker, Prahallad Dora, who joined Congress recently, and Nawarangpur zilla parisad president, Gopinath Pradhani, younger brother of Pradhani, are also being considered for the seat.

Coincidentally, the neighbouring Koraput constituency is also going the Nawarangpur way. Koraput, which could have been an interesting constituency for the poll-gazers, has already lost the sheen. Orissa chief minister Giridhar Gamang, who has won 8 LokSabha elections from this constituency in a row, is not going to contest this time. Gamang is pushing the name of his wife Hemabati Gamang for the seat.