Result of the Nuapada Zilla Parishad President election scheduled on April 26 now seems to have become clear as two BJD ZP Members remain adamant on their decision not to support aspirant lambodar Nial of their party.
One of the two opposing BJD members, who is a claimant for the post, has left the district for an unknown destination along with five Congress members to avoid pressure from their party leaders. Withdrawal of support by the two BJD members has left Nial with support of only five members, short of one to win the election.
All efforts by the BJD district unit and the State leadership including the dictate from the Third Floor (Chief Minister’s Office) have failed to bring their ZP Members together in support of Nial. And the Congress, which was keeping a close watch over the situation, grabbed the opportunity.
“Forming the Zilla Parishad in Nuapada with support of Congress members is finalised,” said BJD district secretary and Khariar Panchayat Samiti Chairman Balakrushna Sabar. “It is a crusade against the corrupt leaders of the district party unit,” he added.
However, BJD leaders are still hopeful. “They (the rebel duo) will return to our camp on Sunday,” said a BJD district leader.