Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the cusp of orchestrating a monumental governmental shift in Odisha, signaling an epochal transformation in the state’s political tableau. As vote tabulation advances, the BJP has asserted commanding leads in 79 Assembly constituencies, surpassing the requisite majority in the 147-member Assembly.
Current trends delineate BJP candidates leading in 79 Assembly seats, significantly outpacing the incumbent Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which maintains leads in 50 seats. The Congress party shows an improved stance with leads in 15 seats, while the CPI(M) and an Independent candidate are each ahead in one seat respectively.
Assembly Elections Overview:
To ascend to governance in Odisha, a party must secure a minimum of 74 seats. Having breached this threshold, the BJP is poised to govern the state autonomously for the inaugural time. Historically, the BJP co-governed with the BJD from 2000 to 2009, but this tenure heralds a solitary dominion for the saffron party.
The BJD, helmed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik since 2000, faced a significant debacle. Despite Patnaik leading in both Hinjili and Kantabanji Assembly constituencies, numerous high-ranking leaders, including at least eight ministers, are trailing. Patnaik aspired for a sixth term to eclipse former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record as India’s longest-serving Chief Minister.
In the 2019 elections, the BJD secured a comfortable majority with 112 seats, while the BJP garnered 23 seats. This year’s elections, held concurrently with the Lok Sabha polls in four phases from May 13 to June 1, have drastically reconfigured the political landscape.
Major Upsets and Factors:
A significant upheaval transpired in Ganjam district, Patnaik’s bastion. Of the 13 seats in Ganjam, the BJP clinched 11, while the BJD and Congress each secured one seat. Analysts attribute the BJD’s dismal performance to the “Pandian factor,” alluding to controversies surrounding V. Karthikeyan Pandian, the Chief Minister’s private secretary, which eroded voter confidence.
BJP’s Strategy and Congress’ Revival:
The BJP’s strategic campaigning and adept resource mobilization have been pivotal to their triumph, emphasizing “Odia Asmita” (Odia pride) issues. The Congress, although trailing, exhibited signs of resurgence with a notable increase in its seat tally, particularly in South Odisha and tribal regions.
Lok Sabha Elections Results:
The BJP also achieved significant strides in the Lok Sabha elections, on the verge of sweeping with substantial leads in 19 of 21 seats. The BJD and Congress have each managed to secure one Lok Sabha seat in the state.