Berhampur: After the draft list of reservation for the panchayat polls was declared, political activities have increased in rural pockets of Ganjam district.
There are 22 panchayat samitis in the district while 12 posts of chairpersons have been reserved for women of different categories.
However, many leaders of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) aspiring for the posts have expressed their unhappiness since the list was declared.
They have met their respective MLAs at their residences and voiced their resentment over reservation of chairman posts for women.
The blocks where chairman posts have been reserved for women are Aska, Beguniapada, Chhatrapur, Hinjilicut, Jagannathprasad, Kabisuryanagar, Kukudakhandi, Patrapur, Polsara, Rangeilunda, Sanakhemundi and Sorada.
Five blocks have been named in the in non-reserve segment. They are Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha, Buguda, Purusottampur and Sheragad.
Besides, blocks like Khallikote, Dharakote and Ganjam have been reserved for OBC candidates while Chikiti and Digapahandi blocks have been reserved for people from the Scheduled Caste (SC).
The Hinjilicut Assembly constituency is represented by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Two blocks of the constituency has come under the reservation policy.
The Hinjilicut block is reserved for women while Sheragad is for the non-reserved category.
In Digapahandi constituency represented by Speaker Surya Narayan Patro, the Sadar block has been reserved for SC (male) and Kukudakhandi block for SC (women).
Many local frontline leaders from different segments have expressed their unhappiness, as their political aspirations have gone awry.
On the other hand, the ruling BJD has emphasised on Mission Shakti programme in the district, keeping in view the three-tier panchayat elections. The party has formulated strategies to increase the women’s vote bank.
SHGs are being given loans to take up various income-generating activities. Hence, more women leaders will be fielded for various posts in the coming panchayat elections, sources said.
The Congress and BJP have also made their strategies to counter that of the BJD. Hence the upcoming polls can see tough triangular contests at many places.
PNN