Dhanbad, Jan. 9: Robin Gorai (35) and Hasina Khatun (32) were elected Dhanbad zilla parishad chairperson and deputy chairperson, respectively, amid allegations of horse-trading in the closely fought elections today.

Backed by Baghmara MLA Dhullu Mahto of the BJP, Gorai defeated the closest rival Duryodhan Chowdhry by four votes. He polled 16 votes while Duryodhan, who had tacit support of the JMM, bagged only 12 with of one the district board members, A.K. Singh, staying away from the election.

The 35-year-old promised to work for all-round development of Dhanbad.

"This is not my victory... it's the victory of the common people. I will work for the progress of the district," Gorai told The Telegraph.

Gorai rubbished the allegations that huge money and goodies were distributed among the board members to win their votes. "The Opposition camp is trying to malign my image after losing the poll. The board members have faith in me," he claimed.

Hasina Khatun bagged 16 votes to defeat Munni Bala Devi, winning the post of deputy chairperson.

"I will first look into the basic problems faced by the people, especially those living in rural Dhanbad, and try to remove the hurdles delaying development projects. I will work with utmost sincerity and honesty," a soft-spoken Hasina said.