BJD’s Bhawanipatna Municipality chairperson loses no-confidence motion 

The chairperson of Bhawanipatna Municipality, Sanjukta Behera, lost the no-trust motion moved by the councillors.

As per reports, fed up with the working style of BJD’s Bhawanipatna Municipality chairperson, Sanjukta Behera, all the councillors had moved the no-confidence motion against her. As many as 20 votes were polled in favour of the motion. 

The infighting in BJD is said to be the reason behind such a situation. 

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When the no-trust motion was moved against Behera, she took refuge in the High Court. However, her appeal was rejected. Consequently, the district Collector on Monday convened a special meeting and directed to hold the voting. 

“All the councillors were present and participated in the voting. The voting was held peacefully,” said returning officer, Dilip Moharana. 

Similarly, the eight members of Nimapada NAC on Monday handed over a notice to the Puri District collector seeking initiation of procedures of moving a no-confidence motion against BJD’s chairperson Sasmita Sahu. 

These eight members alleged that the chairperson was violating the Municipality rules with respect to holding general body meetings. 

As per reports, Sahu has been the chairperson of the NAC since April 27, 2022. 

While the rule mandates one meeting every month, a total of seven meetings have been held in the last two and a half years. On most occasions, she was found to be absent, alleged the NAC members. 

Of the 11 NAC members, while BJD and BJP have seven and three members respectively, one is an independent member. 

But at the time of the last general elections, many members switched over to other parties. So, presently there are two BJD members, eight BJP members and one independent candidate. 
Notably, after losing the general election, the BJD used the no-confidence motion against the chairperson of Phulbani Municipality and succeeded in its plan. It then set eyes on the Junagarh Municipality but its strategy didn’t work there due to a legal battle. But the BJD camp has been in fear of the BJP turning the table on them.