Politics behind the kidnap move

BHUBANESWAR: Politics to install BJD nominee as president of Koraput Zilla Parishad (ZP) may have led to the abduction of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka. He is reported to have played a key role in the political negotiation.Out of 29 ZP seats, the BJD and the Congress had won 14 each while one seat __ Narayanpatna zone __ had gone to an Independent owing allegiance to Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS). The vote of the Independent was crucial to victory of the ZP president nominee and it went to the BJD candidate. Hikaka had played a key role in the negotiation between the BJD and the CMAS for the ZP president’s post. There was a 10-point agreement between the BJD and the CMAS which was not implemented after the election. Sources maintained the agreement had a condition  __ post of vice- president for the CMAS nominee __ which was rejected by the BJD.Addressing the media here, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh and Congress Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan said this had been confirmed by the two Maoist-nominated negotiators Dr BD Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty.They alleged that this established the link between the BJD and the Maoists. The CMAS is considered a front of the Maoists. Alleging that the State Government failed to control the growing Maoist activities, the two Congress leaders demanded Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s resignation and imposition of President’s rule in the State.Asked whether the party will bring a no-confidence motion against the Government in the Assembly, they said this would be discussed at the Congress Legislature Party meeting.