Bhubaneswar: The chanting of the Pipili Assembly by-election observer Pratap Dev has begun. The local leader has demanded representation from Maharathi’s family. However, he suggested that it be better to nominate Mahathir’s wife, Pratibha Maharathi. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on women’s empowerment, in particular, is rumored to be gaining ground. Since Rudra has been directly linked to the Pipili youth group, he is also said to be in the running. Earlier, Rudra Maharathi had said that there was no discussion of the candidacy within the family. “We will support the party’s supremo Naveen Patnaik and he will abide by the party’s decision,” he said. But it is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.