BHUBANESWAR: The number of Assembly seats in Ganjam district has increased to 13 from 12 after the delimitation exercise. Political equations in the district have assumed significance as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik represents the Hinjili seat.
The Hinjili seat comprises Sheragada and Hinjilicut blocks and Hinjilicut Notified Area Council (NAC) after the rejig. Another development after the redrawing of boundaries is that Khallikote seat represented by senior leader Sugnana Kumari Deo has been reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
Jagannathprasad seat reserved for the SCs and represented by Madhabananda Behera has been abolished in the delimitation.
Bhanjanagar seat won by BJD leader and chief whip Bikram Keshari Arukh remains in general category.
Significantly, Kodala seat, considered stronghold of former minister Ramakrushna Patnaik, has been abolished. Patnaik had lost to Niranjan Pradhan (BJD) in the last election.
A new constituency Polasara in general category has been created comprising Buguda and Polasara blocks and NACs.
Kodala block will be included in Kabisuryanagar NAC which will be for general candidates. The last election was won by Ladu Kishore Swain of the BJD.
Chhatrapur seat represented by Narayan Reddy (CPI) has been reserved for the SCs. Either Reddy will have to look for another seat or the CPI will field an SC candidate.
Aska seat in the district continues to be in the general category. Saroj Padhi (Independent) who had won the last elections later joined the BJD.
Surada represented by Kishore Chandra Singhdeo (BJP) remains in general category. However, a new constituency Sanakhemundi for general candidates has been created. The constituency will comprise Dharakote and Sanakhemundi blocks.
The Gopalpur seat earlier reserved for SCs has been dereserved.
Trinath Behera of the Congress represented the seat. Berhampur seat will comprise wards 1 to 24 of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation.
A new seat - Digapahandi - has been carved out. Digapahandi and Chikiti will be in general category.
