Bhubaneswar, Dec. 28: Councillors of the BJD and the Congress today joined hands to oust the Keonjhar Municipality chairperson on a day chief minister Naveen Patnaik was in the district to inaugurate a series of projects.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 14 projects in the district. During his visit, the BJP and Congress workers attempted to stage a black flag demonstration on the issue of alleged farmer suicides. However, police took them in custody, and they were released later.

In the 21-member municipality, 16 members - nine from the BJD and six from the Congress - voted against chairperson Meena Majhi. Despite a whip issued by the party, BJD councillors remained adamant and voted against the chairperson during the no-trust motion.

Her party colleagues had moved the notice for her removal last month, and the voting took place today. In the 21-member council, 16 members turned up to take part for the voting. One member abstained. Of the 16 council members, nine were from the BJD and six from the Congress.

In the 21-strong council, the BJD has 14, the Congress six and the BJP has one member. Sub-collector Purna Chandra Mishra said: "I will submit a report to the collector and send a copy of it to the government."

Senior minister Badri Naryan Patra, who hails from the district, had asked the councillors not to go against the party's whip, particularly on a day when Naveen was visiting the district. Patra said: "We have already passed an anti-defection law. We will examine the issue and take action against the rebel members."

In the winter session of the Assembly, the state government had passed the Odisha Municipal Laws (Second Amendment) Bill and the governor already gave assent to it. Members of the urban local bodies would be disqualified if they decided to switch loyalties after being elected.