Odisha CPM Sets ₹20 Lakh Campaign Target for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha Seat

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Odisha has set an ambitious target of spending ₹20 lakh for campaigning in the prestigious Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat. The party’s candidate for the seat, Suresh Chandra Panigrahi, emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts and the strength of their cadres in the face of resource constraints.

Resource Constraints and Grassroots Strength

Panigrahi acknowledged that the CPM lacks the financial resources to run a high-tech campaign like the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), both of which are spending crores of rupees on their campaigns. However, the CPM’s strength lies in its dedicated cadres. Despite the financial limitations, they have set a target of ₹20 lakh for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat and have already mobilized ₹15 lakh.

Election Expenditure and Ideological Message

The Election Commission stipulates expenditure limits for candidates contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly seats. While the limit is ₹90 lakh for Lok Sabha seats and ₹70 lakh for Assembly seats, the left parties allege that candidates from ruling and principal opposition parties often exceed these limits significantly.

Panigrahi clarified that the CPM has not received any money through electoral bonds. Instead, well-wishers and sympathizers are contributing via Google Pay. He emphasized that their objective is not just to win the election but also to strengthen their network and disseminate the party’s ideology.

Historical Context and Door-to-Door Campaign

The last time the CPM won the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat was in 1991 when Sivaji Patnaik was elected. Patnaik had previously represented the seat in 1977, 1989, and 1991. In the 2019 elections, the CPM secured only 23,000 votes and forfeited its deposit. However, Panigrahi believes that the number of votes is not the sole measure of success; it is also about conveying the Left’s ideology to voters.

Due to financial constraints, the CPM has opted for a door-to-door campaign. They are also organizing motorcycle rallies and distributing one lakh leaflets and postcards to highlight their manifesto.

Issues Raised and Assembly Seats Contested

Panigrahi highlighted the threat to the livelihood of common people and the relentless attacks on democracy’s four pillars—judiciary, legislature, executive, and media—by the saffron party. The Modi-led government’s actions are concerning, and the BJD’s unwavering support needs to be exposed.

Apart from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, the CPM is contesting seven Assembly seats in Odisha. Currently, the party has only one MLA in the Odisha Assembly, with Laxman Munda seeking re-election from the Bonai Assembly seat in Sundergarh district. Other Assembly seats where the CPM is contesting include Nilagiri (Balasore district), Ranpur (Nayagarh), Khurda (Khurda district), Salepur (Cuttack), Morada (Mayurbhanj), and Chitrakonda (Malkangiri district).

The CPM’s commitment to its ideology and grassroots efforts remains steadfast, even in the face of financial challenges. As the election season unfolds, their message resonates with voters who seek an alternative to mainstream politics.