BJD Wins Zilla Parishad President Post In Odisha’s Kendrapada; Polling On For Block Chairpersons

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) nominee Lilita Das was on Thursday elected uncontested as the president of Kendrapada Zilla Parishad in Odisha.

Sources said Lilita Das was elected unopposed as no other candidate was in the fray for the post in the 32-member Zilla Parishad.

By-elections are also being held for block chairpersons of Raighar, Bhapur, and Khallikot during the day.

According to sources, Sabitri Pradhan of BJD re-elected as Bhapur panchayat samiti chairperson without contest.

Similarly, Kanhu Charan Nath of BJP was elected vice chairman of Harabhanga without contest.

Notably, polls in Narla, Kukudahandi, Kanisuryanagar have been postponed following court order.

The BJD had a smooth sailing in Kendrapada as out of the 32 zones in the district 31 Zilla Parishad zones are represented by the regional party. BJP has only one Zilla Parishad member, while two other members had resigned.

In a bid to prevent rebellion, BJD president Naveen Patnaik had held a meeting with all Zilla Parishad members.

The post of president of Zilla Parishad is reserved for woman belonging SC category. As BJP failed to find a suitable candidate, Lilita was elected uncontested.