Balangir, July 2: The winning streak of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) continues with the party capturing power in Balangir and Titilagarh civic bodies.

The BJD won in 15 of the 21 wards of Balangir, while in Titilagarh it swept the election by winning in 14 of the 15 wards. The results of the poll were announced today after counting.

The Congress, which had won the Balangir Assembly seat in the last general elections, had to be content with four wards. The BJP managed to get one. In one of the wards, there was a tie between the Congress and the BJD candidates. Lottery system favoured the ruling party.

The elections to these two bodies could not take place last year. In Balangir, the lawyers have been demanding establishment of a separate bench of the high court.

People of Titilagarh are seeking a district status for the area. The election to chairman for the two councils has been scheduled for July 11. The post of chairman for both councils is reserved for scheduled caste candidates.

Arkesh Singhdeo, a scion of Balangir royal family, who had spearheaded the election campaign for the BJD in Balangir, said: “We will try to live up to their expectation. We will soon initiate programmes to improve the roads and sewerage system of the town.”

The BJD had left no stone unturned to win the confidence of voters by inviting a galaxy of star campaigners, including cine star and Rajya Sabha member Anubhav Mohanty and Akash Das Nayak.

At least four ministers — Puspendra Singhdeo, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Pranab Prakash Das and Usha Devi — had campaigned extensively in the district town.

Unprecedented violence over the death of a youth in police custody did not deter the voters to turn out in large number though campaign was seriously affected during the last two days. Earlier in February this year, Titilagarh was upgraded from a notified area council to municipality.