Bhubaneswar: Ward Number 47, which made Ananta Narayan Jena a canporator and mayor twice, has been reserved for women for the upcoming election of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
This time, from 67 wards, 34 has been reserved for women.
Also, the mayor will be chosen directly, unlike previous polls where Corporators chose one of them as mayors.
Jena has been the mayor for the first time in 2008.
In 2013 urban polls, he has received the highest votes (5,024) in Ward 47, a slum dominated area.
Because of its proximity to BJD Supremo and Chairman of the Minister of Naveen Patnaik, Jena has been chosen for the top position even though many senior leaders in the party support a caniliar for work.
“The party has not received anyone who will be the face of the mayor.
This time, the environmental profile is not a problem because candidates will be selected directly.
However, the development of slums has become our top priority and we will involve.
The right face in Ward 47,” said a person in BJD.
BJP is likely to throw a difficult challenge for BJD, not only for the election of the Mayor but also during the Canterator selection.
Analyst polls said when the seat of Bhubaneswar MP went to BJP in the 2019 General Election with Aparajita Sarangi won against Arup Patnaik BJD, BMC polls would be difficult for the two parties.