Overview of Phase 5 Elections
As the nation progresses through the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the focus shifts to Phase 5, where voters in Odisha will have the opportunity to influence the political landscape. A total of 40 candidates are contesting for the parliamentary seats in the constituencies of Aska, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Bargarh, and Sundergarh. This phase is pivotal as it includes intense battles across these regions.
Voting Schedule and Eligible Voters
Voting Date: May 20, 2024
Polling Time: Starting at 7 a.m.
Eligible Voters: Approximately 79.62 lakh voters in Odisha
This phase will see voting across 49 constituencies in 5 states and Union territories, with the votes set to be counted on June 4, 2024. The entire election process, including the counting of votes for all 542 Lok Sabha seats, will conclude on this date.
Key Constituencies and Candidates
Constituency Breakdown
Here are the key candidates representing the major political parties in the five constituencies of Odisha:
Key Candidates for Phase 5 LS Polls
Bargarh (ST)
– BJP Candidate: Pradeep Purohit
– Congress Candidate: Sanjay Bhoi
– BJD Candidate: Parineeta Mishra
Sundargarh (ST)
– BJP Candidate: Jurel Oram
– Congress Candidate: Janardan Dehury
– BJD Candidate: Dilip Tirkey
Bolangir
– BJP Candidate: Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo
– Congress Candidate: Manoj Mishra
– BJD Candidate: Surendra Singh Bhoi
Kandhamal
– BJP Candidate: Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi
– Congress Candidate: Amir Chand Nayak
– BJD Candidate: Achyuta Samanta
Aska
– BJP Candidate: Anita Subhadarshani
– Congress Candidate: Debokanta Sharma
– BJD Candidate: Ranjita Sahu
These candidates have been actively campaigning to garner support from the voters, presenting their visions and plans for the development of their respective constituencies.
Major Political Figures and Campaign Highlights
The electioneering for Phase 5 saw significant participation from prominent leaders across major political parties:
Biju Janata Dal (BJD): Led by BJD president and Chief minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, key figures like VK Pandian, Pranab Prakash Das, Sanjay Das Burnma, Dr Sasmit Patra, Bikram Arukha, Niranjan Pujari, PK Amat, Tukuni Sahu, Rita Sahu, and SP Nayak have been at the forefront of the campaign, advocating for continued development and stability under BJD’s governance.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Campaign efforts were bolstered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J P Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizing the party’s commitment to national security and economic growth.
Indian National Congress: The party’s campaign featured Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, focusing on social justice, economic equity, and welfare policies.
Other influential leaders like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Dev Sai, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal, and former Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb also contributed to the vigorous campaign efforts across the state.
Full Election Schedule for Odisha
The Lok Sabha elections and state assembly elections in Odisha have been meticulously scheduled across multiple phases to ensure smooth conduct and maximum voter participation:
– May 13: 28 Assembly seats and 4 Lok Sabha constituencies
– May 20: 35 Assembly seats and 5 Lok Sabha constituencies (Phase 5)
– May 25: 42 Assembly seats and 6 Lok Sabha constituencies
– June 1: Remaining 42 Assembly seats and 6 Lok Sabha constituencies
The upcoming Phase 5 is a critical juncture for Odisha’s political future, with BJD seeking to retain its stronghold against a formidable opposition from BJP and Congress.
Conclusion
As Odisha heads into the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the stakes are high for both the parliamentary and assembly seats. With a robust lineup of candidates and high-profile campaigns, the outcomes of these elections will significantly shape the political dynamics in Odisha. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, remains a strong contender, poised to maintain its influence and continue its developmental agenda in the state.
Prasanta Patnaik