Speculations are rife in political circles here over a rejig likely to be effected in the State Ministry before the forthcoming panchayat elections.
Baleswar, a politically sensitive district, is without any Minister for more than three years ever since former Minister Raghunath Mohanty resigned in view of allegation of dowry torture by his daughter -in-law against him and his family members.
Sources said hectic lobbying has been initiated by the MlAs to grab the coveted post after rumours spread thick and fast that one among the MlAs from the ruling party of the district may get a berth in the Ministry during the ensuing reshuffle.
Sources said two MlAs, Aswini Patra and Jiban Pradip Dash, presently representing Jaleswar and Sadar constituency, are among the frontrunners for the post.
Both, Patra and Dash had won the elections thrice and joined BJD from their parent BJP.
However, there is another rumour that Bhograi MlA Anant Das, who is currently holding the post of Government Chief Whip, may get a Ministerial berth.
Mohanty had held key portfolios earlier. So far Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been playing cards close to his chest over the matter.