The voters of Keonjhar district will decide the fate of 7,905 candidates in various posts during the five-phase three-tier panchayat elections beginning February 13. There are 297 gram panchayats, 13 Panchayat Samitis and 37 Zilla Parisad zones in the district.
This election is expected to see a triangular fight between BJD, BJP and Independent candidates backed by Champua MlA Sanatan Mahakud. Although this district is the hometown of AICC Secretary Jayadev Jena and former PCC chief Niranjan Pattnaik, indifference between the two leaders has reflected lack of unity among party workers at the field level. Hence, the party may face worst results, viewed many.
Notably, four Sarpanch and nine Panchayat Samiti Members have been elected uncontested in the district. All political parties have given more focus on ZP seats during the campaigning. Voters were entertained by cine and television stars.
While it is alleged that a list of many opposition party workers and leaders have been identified for detention in name of law and order, the Sriram Indane Distributors owned by District BJP president Radhakanta Mahanta has been sealed just before the polls. Gas consumers in 24 gram panchayats are now facing problem to refill their cylinders. Three Election Observers, Fakir Mohan Nayak for Anandpur, Brudaban Behera for Champua and Suvendu Sarbeswar Ray for Keonjhar subdivision, have been engaged for a free and fair poll.