While the dates for the ensuing Panchayat polls in Odisha are yet to be announced, all major political parties in fray have set out on an inauguration spree anticipating enforcement of the model code of conduct (MCC) anytime in the near future.
As per reports, some Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs laid foundation stones for several projects in Bhogarai and Basta blocks of Balasore. Similarly, former Union Minister and Balasore MP, Pratap Sarangi has also inaugurated street lights in several places in his constituency.
However, the voters did not seem to have much impressed by this campaigning. Manoranjan Behera, a resident of Banakati under Rairangpur block said “The leaders are making tall promises but they never really act on it after the polls get over.”
The BJD has intensified field work to strengthen its organisation in Panchayat level. The ruling party has started zone level preparations after concluding its Panchayat meetings on Tuesday in Koraput. Similarly, the BJP has also continued its Jan Sampark Abhiyan in several places of Jeypore.
The Congress party is not lagging in fieldwork either. The party heavyweights attended workers meet held at several places in the Jeypore block.
BJD MP Ramesh Majhi was spotted campaigning in Raighar block, while Nityanand Gond, the BJP MLA from Umerkote has also set out on the campaign trail.
As far as the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is concerned, he has already set out on a campaigning mode by touring several districts to distribute BSKY cards to beneficiaries. He has also ordered to observe the Establishment Day of the party in all the constituencies.
On the other hand, the BJP has decided to rake up Mamita Meher murder case, deteriorating law and order situation and involvement of several state ministers in criminal cases while reaching out to the public against the BJD's rule.
As per sources, the Panchayat Polls are very likely to be held in February, 2022, for which the dates will be announced at the end of this month.