Odisha Municipal Elections 2022: Here’s What Bhubaneswar Expects From Its Next Mayor

Expectations are high but genuine… With the residents of Bhubaneswar set to elect their Mayor directly for the first time in a few days from now, they seem to be quite excited, and anxious too. And, all that they want is a ‘people’s Mayor’ for the State Capital.

To know what actually the smart voters of the Smart City want from their candidate, OTV spoke to a cross section of electors to find out what they really expect from their next Mayor.

“Women leaders have excelled in politics and we are happy that so many woman candidates are in the fray for the Bhubaneswar Mayor post. We want a Mayor who will work for Bhubaneswar and fulfill all the promises they are now making while asking for votes,” said a female voter.

She further said, “We want a Mayor who will ensure safety and security to girls and women in ‘Mo Bus’. Also, properly sanitised public toilets and drinking water facilities at bus stops are a must.”

Raising concern over the rising crimes in the Capital city, she said, “Chain snatching incidents are on the rise in the city. A Mayor should also ensure safety of women in the streets of Bhubaneswar.”

A youth voter seconded the issues raised by the lady and said, “Though Bhubaneswar has got the Smart City tag women are still unable to move freely in the streets of the Capital city. A mayor candidate with the intention to take appropriate measures in this regard will be the suitable one for the city,” he said.

An elderly voter, however, feels that Bhubaneswar should get new Mayor who will work differently and not as per the trend set by the predecessor.

Speaking quite candidly, he said, “We have often seen the candidates getting detached from people after winning elections. Prior to polling, they (candidates) are with the people, but once the elections are over, they go missing. We don’t want this to repeat again.”

He continued, “We will vote for a candidate irrespective of party affiliations. But the condition is she should be with the people, she should be accessible to people. We want a Mayor who will listen to people’s woes and present the same before the government.”

Voters also expect a Mayor who will look into the issues of all Wards in the city without any discrimination. “We will vote for a candidate who will work for the entire City and look into the problems of people all over, especially the poor,” said another voter.