With Ganjam District Magistrate Krishan Kumar wielding lathi and accompanied by Brahmapur Superintendent of Police Anirudh Singh in the streets to control the mafias and bootleggers, it was a blessing in disguise for the people of Ganjam in general and citizens of the Silver City of Brahmapur in particular.
For the first time, the people of this coastal district, who were fearful about crimes and criminals, heaved a sigh of relief as there was no tension or violence during the last week’s elections to the urban local bodies (UlBs). The electioneering and polling passed off smoothly.
The district police team, also including Ganjam SP Ashish Kumar Singh, was well-coordinated by DIG, Southern Range, Amitabh Thakur, who was constantly in touch with the District Magistrate and the SPs of Brahmapur and Ganjam during the electioneering period. He was also keeping the State Police Headquarters informed about the developments.
As the outcome of the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation (BMC) election was a prestige issue for all political parties, those in charge of the administration were apprehensive about violence. Beginning from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to AICC general secretary BK Hariprasad, important political leaders held meetings in Brahmapur and other parts of the district, which usually reports highest number of crimes in the State.
Observers give the credit mainly to the Collector Krishan Kumar, earlier had the reputation of effectively controlling the Kandhamal riots in 2008. Sources said Dr Kumar implemented his Kandhamal formula and he himself hit the streets roaming in wards and booths.
And no wonder, the police had to be on their toes. The Collector was even seen clearing crowds near several polling booths with lathi in his hand.Ganjam is the only district in the State where there are as many as 17 NACs besides a Municipal Corporation. The only exception was post-election violence in the Gopalpur NAC area.