The Congress won the bi-election to the post of Koraput Municipality Chairman held here on Friday. Both the Congress and BJD were having 10 councillors each. But Independent councillor Biswabhusan Pattanaik played the deciding factor. With his support to the Congress candidate, the civic body chief post was grabbed by the Congress. Bhagaban Bahinipati became the new chairman and formed the council.
In the last election in 2013, Pattanaik had supported the BJD and had been the chairman. A few months back, basing on the allegation of misbehaving to a woman councilor, Pattanaik had to resign from the post of chairman necessitating the bi-poll. Congress alleged that BJD had planned to abduct the independent councilor as a last ditch effort to hold the council. However, BJD district president Jayaram Pangi refuted the allegation.
“I will work for the interest of the people of the town and try to settle the issues related to water, sanitation and health,” said newly elected Chairman Bahinipati.