Author: Special Correspondent
Publication: The Telegraph
Date: September 21 , 2008
URL: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080921/jsp/frontpage/story_9863732.jsp
The ruling BJD-BJP combine has swept yesterday's
urban local body polls.
According to the results of 90 local bodies
announced by the State Election Commission, the ruling BJD is in a position
to form civic councils at 27 urban local bodies independently while its coalition
partner was in a position to form councils in eight towns.
Besides, the BJD and BJP can form councils
together at 20 urban centres if they come up with a post-poll alliance. This
time, the coalition partners had opted for seat adjustments at 32 urban centres,
while they were locked in a "friendly fight" at the remaining 59
places.
Opposition Congress secured the majority in
11 urban local bodies, while the Independents established their supremacy
in five towns. The Samajwadi Party was able to form the council at Jajpur
municipality.
However, there has been a fragmented verdict
at 17 places, where no party or alliance can form the council on its own.
Independents are likely to play a decisive role in these places.
During the 2002 civic polls, BJD had formed
the civic council at 40 places and BJP at 25 places either on their own strength
or with each other's support. The Congress had occupied 30 urban councils.
Workers and supporters of the two ruling parties
celebrated their victory and exuded hope that the results would be repeated
in the coming general elections.
"The BJD has established its supremacy
once again," said chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik.
BJP state president Suresh Pujari was happy
that his party had improved its tally.
