As the elections for urban local bodies (UlBs) getting nearer, campaigning by the different political parties as well by the Independents has been picking up momentum here.
For the last three terms, the independents led by late Anup Das dominated the civic body. After Das’s death, his wife Sujata Das, who is the incumbent chairperson, is expected to play a crucial role in the polls this time. Notably, she has joined BJD recently. The chairman post is reserved for the OBC. Das, who is contesting from Ward 10, is eying for the top post. Among the political parties, while the BJD seems more likely to win maximum seats and form the council, but all the same, Congress and BJP are also leaving no stone unturned to come victorious.
Four top leaders, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Amar Satpathy, Pramila Mallick and Ajay Nayak are camping in Baleswar for poll management. They have been making tours to different wards and holding meetings. There are eight wards where disgruntled BJD party workers are active. Congress, on the other hand, while is fighting to contain the rebels, the BJP is encountering a difficult situation as a group has distanced itself from the elections affairs opposing the present party president of the district.
However, NCP leader and former MlA Arun Dey instead of fielding candidates from his party has preferred to bank on the Independent candidates. He is making an extensive door –to- door campaign in support of candidates of his choice. Several Independents too are seeking his support.