  We perform the covariant operator quantization of the spin-$1$ model in $2+1$
spacetime dimensions to rigorously establish its dualities. For this purpose,
the Kugo-Ojima-Nakanishi formalism, based on an indefinite metric Hilbert space
in the Heisenberg picture, is used. We show that it is possible to extract a
massive physical excitation constructed from a linear combination of the vector
field $A_{\mu}$ and the $B$-field. In turn, we also show that this excitation
generates the Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory. This is achieved by exploring the
two-point function of the vector field.
