In the last elections, Congress had captured all Zilla Parishad (ZP) seats in lakhanpur block under Brajrajnagar Constituency. But, this time, Congress has to face a tough challenge from BJP and BJD.
In 2012 election, Congress had defeated others in all the three seats under the block. Even, Congress had fared well in Jharsuguda, Kolabira, laikera and Kirmira blocks. But, in the changed scenario, it will not be that easy for the party.
This time a triangular contest is expected between Congress, BJP and BJD. The candidates in fray have launched high-voltage campaigning already. Ranju Mallik from Congress is contesting from lakhanpur-1 seat against Malati Singh from BJP and Matamini Kisan from BJD. There will be keen contest between them. In Brajrajnagar Assembly Constituency, sitting BJP MlA Radharani Panda is hopeful of a better performance by the party.
In lakhanpur-2 field, while Khirabati Sahu is contesting from BJP, Pankajini Pradhan and Gitanjali Godadia are in fray from Congress and BJD respectively. The political observers speculate keen contest between these candidates, as the winner from this backward women seat is likely to get the Zilla Parishad president post.
In lakhanpur-3 seat, Samal Naik from BJP, Kishore Kumar Kishan from Congress, Chapadhari Dhurua from BJD and Basudev Bhoi from CPU will face keen contest.