3 BJP members hold key to Kandhamal ZP

PHULBANI: With the Congress and the BJD having failed to garner a majority in the panchayat polls in Kandhamal district, all eyes are on the three BJP members who would play a decisive role in the formation of Zilla Parishad (ZP). The ZP president seat is reserved for Scheduled Tribe (male).Out of the 18 ZP seats, the Congress has won nine while the BJD clinched six. To attain the magic number of 10, support of the BJP candidates is crucial.President of the District Congress Committee R K Digal sounded optimistic and said it would not be difficult for the party to get the support of a member. BJP district president Debanarayan Pradhan, however, said the party would disclose its decision before the election of the president.In 2007, the BJD had formed the ZP with the support of an Independent. The Congress and BJP had bagged four seats each.