Odisha’s Decisive Battle: A Political Chess Game

Odisha’s Electoral Battleground: A Test of Strategy, Popularity, and Power

Odisha’s political landscape has been a theatre of intense electoral combat as the state concluded its four-phase polling on June 1. The electioneering period was marked by the vigorous campaigning of the three principal parties: the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the BJP’s charge with a series of rallies and grand roadshows, including significant events at Puri and Bhubaneswar. In contrast, Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik countered with his own robust campaign trail, punctuated by dual roadshows in the state capital alongside other rallies statewide.

For the first time, Odisha bore witness to a bitter contest between the BJD and BJP, a departure from the traditionally more subdued political engagements. The Prime Minister, abandoning earlier cordial references to Patnaik as a friend, launched a full-frontal offensive against the Chief Minister. Patnaik retorted by rallying the electorate against what he termed “political tourists,” who disparaged him and the state.

Amidst the escalating confrontation between Modi and Patnaik, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi entered the fray, directing his party’s artillery at both the BJD and BJP. The election period was not without its share of turmoil, with sporadic violence and at least two fatalities resulting from clashes between BJD and BJP affiliates.

The release of exit polls has only heightened the suspense, with projections suggesting a potential surge for the BJP in Odisha. This has stirred a mix of apprehension and defiance among the political ranks. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has hinted at a surprising outcome for the BJD, while Naveen Patnaik’s confidant, V.K. Pandian, remains steadfast in his conviction of the BJD’s continued dominance.

BJD’s Sambit Routray has confidently proclaimed a sweeping victory for the party, anticipating a win in 107 to 117 of the 147 assembly seats. The party also aspires to secure at least 13 Lok Sabha seats.

Conversely, Samir Mohanty, the former head of the state BJP unit, has expressed near-unanimous support for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in Odisha, positioning the BJP as the emerging frontrunner in the state.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Biswa Ranjan Mohanty maintains an optimistic outlook for his party’s performance in the state.

Local media perspectives, such as those from Pragativadi editor Birupkashya Tripathy, caution against placing undue faith in exit polls, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the “silent voters” and the multifaceted societal divisions that could sway the final outcome.

As the state awaits the official tally, the political narrative in Odisha is one of anticipation and the potential for seismic shifts in its governance landscape.