In a historic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has swept the 2024 Odisha state assembly polls, ending the 24-year reign of Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The BJP secured 78 seats in the 147-member Assembly, marking a significant victory and setting the stage for its maiden government in Odisha.
Election Results Breakdown
The BJD, which had been in power for five consecutive terms, managed to win 51 seats. The Congress secured 14 seats, CPI(M) won one, and Independents claimed three seats. This is a stark contrast to the 2019 assembly elections, where the BJD had won 113 seats, showcasing a dramatic shift in voter sentiment.
In the Lok Sabha elections held concurrently, the BJP also displayed a strong performance, winning 20 out of the 21 seats in Odisha. The Congress won the remaining seat, while the BJD did not secure any, a significant change from the 2019 results where the BJP had won eight, the BJD twelve, and the Congress one.
Naveen Patnaik’s Campaign
Naveen Patnaik, contesting from both Hinjili and Kantabanji, won only from the Hinjili constituency with 66,459 votes, narrowly defeating the BJP candidate Sisir Kumar Mishra by a margin of 4,636 votes. This narrow victory highlights the growing influence of the BJP and the diminishing stronghold of the BJD.
BJP’s Strategic Campaign
The BJP’s success can be attributed to its intense and strategic campaigning, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi addressed ten rallies and led two roadshows in Bhubaneswar and Puri. The BJP’s central leadership, including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, and Hema Malini, held at least 245 election meetings across the state, significantly boosting the party’s visibility and outreach.
What Went Wrong for the BJD?
Several factors contributed to the BJD’s electoral setback:
Weak Campaigning
BJD insiders and political analysts pointed out that the party’s campaign was significantly weaker compared to the BJP’s high-profile electioneering. While the BJP had a large contingent of star campaigners, the BJD’s efforts were primarily led by Patnaik and his close aide, VK Pandian.
Controversies and Accusations
The BJP capitalized on various controversies, including the “missing key” of Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar (treasury). The BJP accused Patnaik of “outsourcing” the government and the party, and claimed that VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, was manipulating the supposedly ailing Chief Minister. Concerns about Patnaik’s health were amplified when he appeared unable to lift his microphone during campaign events, which BJP leaders suggested was indicative of deeper issues.
Voter Sentiment and Leadership Concerns
As the campaign progressed, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda asserted that a vote for the BJD would effectively empower Pandian, raising doubts about Patnaik’s autonomy and leadership. Prime Minister Modi also expressed concerns about Patnaik’s health, hinting at possible conspiracies behind his “sudden deterioration.”
Conclusion
The 2024 Odisha Assembly elections marked a significant political shift, with the BJP breaking the BJD’s long-standing dominance. Despite the electoral defeat, Naveen Patnaik’s legacy remains a significant part of Odisha’s political landscape. As the BJP prepares to form its first government in Odisha, the BJD’s role as a powerful opposition will be crucial in shaping the state’s future. The lessons from this election underscore the importance of robust campaigning, addressing voter concerns, and maintaining strong leadership.
amfnews