For the first time in Odisha, 50 per cent seats were reserved for women in the recently concluded urban local body (ULB) polls. And, the response was huge. The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor post went to K. Madhavi, a woman. In other 65 ULBs, 42 women won the Chairperson’s posts, showing great women power in ULB polls 2013.

Out of 49 ULBs won by the BJD, women candidates were elected Mayor and Chairpersons in 35. The male candidates emerged victorious in 14 ULBs only. Similarly, out of 11 ULBs won by the Congress, 5 were secured by the Women Chairpersons.

For BJP, a woman candidate was given the Chairperson post in one out of two ULBs it won. Two out of four ULBs where Independents won, went to women candidates.