Bhubaneswar: Hectic parleys are underway in BJD circles ahead of Zilla Parishad chairman elections March 12.
BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presided over the strategic meetings, attended by district presidents, party observers and heavyweights including ministers and MLAs.
The meetings were held soon after the party issued whips to all newly elected ZP members to abide by party-line.
Elections to ZP chairperson and vice chairperson posts are scheduled for March 12.
Speaking about the meeting, vice-president Damodar Rout said, “As ZP elections were held on the basis of party, the district leaders submitted their elected ZP members’ list to the party president.”
‘‘MLAs and leaders from the districts have been instructed to ensure the victory of ZP member who has been given ticket for chairperson seat.” Any cross-voting by a BJD member will attract expulsion, Raut added.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena who attended the parleys said the meeting also discussed the rules which allow political parties to be present during ZP chairman
elections.
The party leaders said the rules are similar to norms during Rajya Sabha elections which will help prevent cross-voting as the agent will have access to the vote cast by the members.
Appointment of suitable agents during the election was emphasised at the meeting.
The ruling BJD secured majority in 16 districts where it is set to form Zilla Parishad councils, while the BJP has got a clear mandate to form ZP councils in eight districts. The Congress could secure majority in Jharsuguda
district.
However, five districts – Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal and Sundargarh – will remain in focus where the picture has remained murky as the mandate did not give absolute mandate to any party. This has raised concern of possible cross-voting in these districts.
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