The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) suffered a devastating loss in the recent Odisha elections, losing both the Assembly and all Lok Sabha seats. This article analyzes the multiple factors contributing to the BJD’s downfall, including bureaucratic hubris, organizational failures, ideological inconsistency, and the party’s strategic missteps.
Odisha’s Lok Sabha polling concluded after four phases, with a total voter turnout of 75.68% in phase four, 73.50% in phase five, 74.45% in phase six, and 70.67% in phase seven. The state also witnessed its state assembly election simultaneously, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC) vying for power.
The upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha promise an intense battle between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the BJD aims to secure a sixth consecutive term for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the BJP has raised the issue of ‘Odia asmita’ or self-pride, targeting Patnaik’s aide, V.K. Pandian, a non-Odia bureaucrat-turned-politician.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and close aide to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, V.K. Pandian, has alleged that the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not contesting the upcoming elections in Odisha with the intention of forming a government but rather to increase its seat numbers and destabilize the BJD after the polls. Pandian asserted that the BJP’s strategy is to break the BJD, citing their past actions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Despite the influx of national-level leaders campaigning in Odisha, Pandian expressed confidence in Patnaik’s reelection, dismissing BJP’s attempts to appeal to Odia pride as election-time rhetoric.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) election campaign from Hinjili, his home assembly constituency, expressing confidence in winning both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He outlined a 10-year development plan with a focus on empowering the youth, including a youth budget and initiatives for industrial investment, employment generation, and skill development. Patnaik criticized opposition parties for opposing development projects and highlighted the success of government programs such as the 5T school transformation program, Ama Hospital, and temple development in Hinjili. He also emphasized Odisha’s leading role in disaster management, food grain provision, and the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna health coverage scheme.
