One of the oldest municipalities in the State, Jajpur municipality, which is 153 years old, has been a BJD citadel for the last many decades. Besides, it is the home turf of the ruling party’s organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das. And hence, election to the municipality holds much importance.
The post of chairperson in the municipality has been reserved for women. While the BJP and the Congress are hopeful of successfully vanquishing the BJD bastion, the ruling party claims it will retain the municipality with ease.
BJD chairperson candidate for the municipality Ranjulata Hota claimed that the party has carried out all sorts of development in the region and she will further ensure the welfare of the people. “I will give my 100 per cent, and work for the betterment of the people,” she added.
Speaking to OTV, BJP chairperson candidate Jyotirmayi Dwivedi said she has been hearing a host of issues which are being raised by voters. “People have been complaining about irregularities in drainage, housing and toilet yojanas here. I will address all these issues,” she said.
Priyadarsini Samanta, Congress chairperson candidate, has urged people not to get swayed away by the false promises and freebies and ‘choose the right person for the right position’. “If people repose their faith and elect me, I will ensure all pending developmental works in the municipality are done on priority basis,” said Priyadarsini.
On the other hand, locals alleged that they are perennially affected by several issues –from roads, drainage and cleanliness to garbage management. And even though they raised those problems in the past, all went in vain.
“We are affected by three major issues- drainage system, traffic problem and construction of vending zone,” said a local, Jayant Goswami.
Another local, Prakash Behera alleged that the eligible are not getting the benefits of housing scheme in the area due to massive irregularities. “Houses are being allotted on political party affiliation. We are being hounded down by administrative officials when while raising our issues,” he added.