The filing of nomination papers for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) polls in the State began on Wednesday and the last date for filing nominations is March 7.
A massive footfall of aspirants for 67 wards, which will go for polls, was witnessed at the Deputy Collector’s office in Bhubaneswar on the first day of the filling of nominations today. Similar scenes were witnessed at the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) during the day.
As per the direction of the State Election Commission (SEC), the scrutiny of the nomination will be held on March 9. The final list of candidates will be released on March 14.
As per norms, the aspirants have to submit details of their property, educational background and criminal antecedents, if any. Election Officers are tirelessly working to ensure the smooth exercise of nomination filling exercise.
“Candidates have been briefed about the general instructions and we are also giving them checklists. They have to submit two affidavits,” said Prafulla Swain, Election Officer.
It is pertinent to mention here that the post of Mayor for BMC and BeMC has been reserved for woman candidates.
Earlier on Wednesday, Congress declared Former CMC Corporator Giribala Behera as the party’s Mayor candidate for Cuttack.
“We have prepared our strategy for the Mayor election. We have faith in voters and we will win the post,” said Giribala Behera, CMC Mayor candidate.
Rumours of BJD selecting a renowned personality as Mayoral candidate have been spreading like wild fire in Berhampur.
When asked for clarification, Ganjam BJD president Ramesh Chyau Patnaik said the party president Naveen Patnaik will take the decision on the Mayor candidate for BeMC.
“We have a long list of aspirants. Our party chief will choose one who can work towards the betterment of voters,” said Chyau Patnaik.
“We will inform the name of the candidate soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, BJP said that party will choose a candidate who can give a good fight to the opposition candidates.
“A committee has been formed to select a candidate who will be liked and accepted by locals,” said Kanhu Charan Pati, BJP leader from Berhampur.
The elections to various ULBs will be held across 47 municipalities and 59 notified area councils (NACs) to choose Chairpersons and Councillors. Around 3,030 booths will be set up in 1731 wards for the polls.
Over 14.26 lakh voters will chose Mayors and Corporators for three Municipal Corporations viz. Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur at 1,407 booths which will be set up in 168 wards for election of Mayors and Corporators.