Bhubaneswar, Jan. 21: The BJD today swept the polls to the newly-constituted notified area councils at Champua in Keonjhar and Baliguda in Kandhamal, winning nine in both the 13-ward urban bodies. The elections were held on Tuesday.

In Champua, Independent candidates won the remaining four wards while the two major Opposition parties - the Congress and the BJP - drew blanks. However, the Congress won three wards and the BJP one at Baliguda.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the voters and congratulated the BJD leaders. He said that the party would continue to serve the people.

Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said: "Several ministers had set up camp at the two places to influence voters." BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said: "The result was expected. The ruling party did everything to win the elections at all costs."

Government chief whip Ananta Das, however, said: "With today's results, the people reaffirmed their faith on Naveen and good governance."