Patnaik issued whip through party district presidents and warned party ZP members that violation of whip will be punished under section 33 of Odisha Zilla Parishad Act – 1991.
Odisha BJP criticised the ruling BJD for making amendment in the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act, according to which a member from each political party will be present during ZP Chairman Polls.
BJD Supremo said the changes in ZP Election rules were done to maintain transparency only.