Massive Mandate In Rural Polls Reaffirms BJD's Commitment To "Seva": Naveen Patnaik

BJD has won in 766 of the 851 zilla parishad zones where the election was held and the regional party is all set to form the zilla parishad in all the 30 districts.

With BJD winning a landslide victory in the just concluded three-tier panchayat election in the state, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday said the massive mandate for the party has increased its commitment for “seva” (service) to the people.

BJD has won in 766 of the 851 zilla parishad zones where the election was held and the regional party is all set to form the zilla parishad in all the 30 districts.

Mr Patnaik tweeted, “I thank the people from the core of my heart for their liking for BJD and support to the BJD candidates. This massive mandate has reinforced our commitment towards service of the people. The dedicated service by the winning candidates and our party workers has made the BJD a movement.” While Mr Patnaik's popularity is considered a major factor for the party's landslide victory, opposition parties have, however, alleged misuse of government machinery for the regional party's growth.

The BJD has reversed its losses in 2017 and wrested all the 10 districts held by the opposition BJP and Congress. The party has this time established its hold over Balangir, Bargarh, Deogarh, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Rayagada and Jharsuguda.