The newly-elected Mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Sulochana Das took the oath of office on Saturday.
Sangramjit Nayak, director of municipal administration, administered the oath of office to Das. Along with the new Mayor, all the 67 newly-elected Corporators were also sworn in today at the conference hall.
Speaking to mediapersons after taking the oath, Das said, "I thank all the residents of Bhubaneswar for their support and congratulate all the 67 newly-elected Corporators and staff of BMC. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bhubaneswar has been developed into a smart city. The development activities will continue and we will work collectively in this direction."
“On the auspicious occasion of Ashokastami, I pray to Lord Lingaraj to take forward the Rath (chariot) of development of Bhubaneswar like his Rukuna Rath. The Lord may bless all the residents of Bhubaneswar with a happy life,” she added.
Meanwhile, putting all speculations to rest the BJD named Manjulata Kanhar, Corporator of Ward no 22, as its Deputy Mayor candidate. As BJD has the majority, it is almost certain that the post will go to the ruling party.
As per the schedule, the nomination for the deputy Mayor post will be filed between 10 am and 11 am while scrutiny of the nomination papers will be conducted between 11 am and 12 pm.
Candidates can withdraw their nominations by 1 pm. If more than one candidate files nomination for the post, the voting process will be conducted from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.