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Bhubaneswar, Sept 7: As part of his review of Biju Janata Dal’s preparation for the upcoming panchayat elections, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday met party leaders of four districts at his residence here Wednesday.
He discussed BJD’s strategy with the district presidents, observers and MPs of Koraput, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj and Gajapati districts.
During the meeting the chief minister reportedly asked them to select candidates who can serve the people and ensure the development of his/her locality.
He advised them to strengthen the party at the panchayat and district level while focussing on areas where the BJD is weak.
The meeting was attended by law minister Arun Sahoo, Pranab Prakash Das, Sarojini Hembram and Jayram Pangi.
“Since Koraput has four Congress MLAs out of five seats, we need to focus more to strengthen our base and we are hopeful that we will perform well in panchayat polls,” Pangi said after the meeting. He said a seven-member team was formed to select panchayat candidates in the district.
Sahoo added that they have been asked to ensure better coordination from panchayat to the district level. It was the second meeting convened by the chief minister with district representatives for the polls.
Patnaik had met last Sunday with the leaders of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir, Balasore and Bhadrak. He had reportedly asked the leaders to resolve intra-party differences and present a united face.
