The process for the three-tier panchayat polls gathered momentum on Saturday with the filing of nomination papers by candidates for the 854 zila parishad seats and posts of sarpanches and block nominees. The three major political parties — the Congress, BJP and BJD — have decided to contest from all the zila parishad seats.
The results of the panchayat polls are likely to impact the 2014 Assembly polls. All the political parties have started distributing tickets to the prospective candidates. On Saturday, over 200 candidates of different political parties filed their nomination papers.
“Some of our candidates have filed their nomination papers today in Boudh and Kantamal assembly constituencies. More number of candidates will file their nominations on Monday,” BJP state vice-president and spokesperson Ashok Sahu said.
The Congress has started distribution of tickets, general secretary of the Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Arjya Kumar Gyanendra said.
“District Congress Committee (DCCs) presidents have given away tickets to selected candidates some of whom have filed their nomination today.” he said.
BJD sources said over 50 ZP candidates of the party had filed their nominations on Saturday.