BJD candidates celebrate victory in Berhampur. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, Sept. 20: The BJD today retained the municipal corporation here by winning 24 out of 40 wards.

While Congress candidates could win only 15 seats, the BJP could not even open its account. One Independent candidate emerged victorious in the 40-member corporation.

All the three political parties had put in their best efforts in Berhampur as it was the only corporation that was facing the polls. Besides being the home district of chief minister Naveeen Patnaik, the city is considered to be the nerve centre of southern Odisha.

Of the 143 candidates who tried their luck, the BJD and the Congress had fielded 39 candidates each. The BJP, however, had filed 35 candidates. There were 30 Independent candidates as well.

The BJD, which had 14 councillors in the outgoing 37-member corporation, is more than happy with the results. The party had captured power with the support of five Independents last time. The Congress, on the other hand, had won nine seats and had the backing of six Independent councillors last time. The BJP, which had won from three wards in the last civic polls, drew a blank this time.

Revenue minister and senior BJD leader Surya Narayan Patro said: “Berhampur was earlier a Congress bastion. We laid the foundation of the BJD here by joining hands with Independents in the 2003 and 2008 civic polls. Voters have reposed their confidence in us, while they have lost confidence in the Congress.”