When all eyes are on surging of BJP and waning of BJD and Congress, things in Keonjhar district seem very different from the rest of the State in view of winning of five ZP candidates fielded by Champua Independent MlA Sanatan Mahakud so far.
After completion of three phases of panchayat polls on Wednesday, Mahakud-supported candidates won in five seats out of total 19 polled. While BJD has been able to win 10 ZP seats, the BJP has emerged victorious in four. The Congress has failed to open an account.
Interestingly, all the three ZP seats, including one reserved for SC women, polled in third phase on Friday were grabbed by Mahakuda’s candidates. This being the situation now, it is expected that the results of the fourth phase poll would determine whether the BJD would be able to form the
Zilla Parishad or not.
According to sources, the BJP is already exploring the possibility to form the ZP with an alliance with Independent candidates.
In Panchayat Samiti seats, the BJP has too got many of its supported candidates elected in many panchayats. Hence, the Panchayat Samiti Chairman election in 13 blocks is also expected to be a tough contest between the BJP and BJD.