Balasore: Even as electioneering intensified for the ensuing three-tier panchayat elections, Congress has descended on the electoral scene in Baliapal of Balasore trying to take mileage on the alleged neglect of the government towards some projects and irregularities in some schemes and projects.
Congress also tried to gain electoral dividends from the differences of opinion between BJD MLA Nityananda Sahu and former minister Raghunath Mohanty, who has been lying low ever since his family disturbances.
Political observers say that such a situation may suit Congress.
In 2012 panchayat elections, BJD had won three Zilla Parishad seats while one went to the kitty of Congress. BJD had formed panchayat samiti,
But political pundits say that situation has been quite different from that of 2012, when former minister Raghunath Mohanty was leading the campaign for party leaders. Now, he is said to be sitting pretty in the election time.
After panchayat reorganisation, the number of panchayats has gone up to 28. A total of 1,41,852 voters will exercise their franchise to elect four ZP members, 28 sarpanchs and samiti members and 389 ward members February 15.
According to reports, there are 111 candidates in the fray for 28 posts of sarpanch; 95 are contesting for samiti members and 916 candidates for ward members. Besides, 14 candidates have thrown their hats in rings for four ZP members.
Sources said, like Basta constituency, the BJD is gripped by an internecine rift in its rank and file while people are upset over the government’s neglect towards executing projects like Choumukh port project near the outfall of Subarnarekha and revival of Cooperative Cotton Mills at Deybhoga. Congress sources said the party is making the government neglect as one of the issues to mobilise people.
In 11 panchayats, flood problem has been a major issue which has not yet been sorted out by the ruling party and there is a deep resentment among people over this problem, Congress says.
The other local issues that the Congress raises are irregularities in distribution of ration cards under NFSA and Indira Awas Yojana. Even some people have moved the High Court on alleged illegality in IAY distribution.
However, MLA Nityananda Sahu sounded confident of his party’s performance in the panchayat poll, banking on the transparent administration of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and implementation of some pro-people schemes. “People will definitely support BJD on this count,” said Sahu.
Congress leader Jaynarayan Mohanty said that BJD has not carried out any development work in Baliapal. He accused the ruling party of having committed irregularities in all government schemes.
However, BJP is highlighting the development agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and irregularities of BJD to woo voters to its side. PNN
