Results for: Odisha Assembly Elections 2024

In a stunning turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the verge of forming a government in Odisha, with a narrow majority in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly. By 8 p.m., the BJP had won 35 seats and extended its victory margin on another 42, bringing it close to the halfway mark of 74. The unexpected outcome is attributed to strong anti-incumbency sentiments and widespread discontent against the dominance of former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian in the governance and party affairs of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) success in the upcoming Odisha Assembly elections, stating that the people of the state have a strong emotional bond with the party. Modi highlighted the disconnect between the BJD government and the citizens of Odisha, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership. Despite language barriers, Modi believes that the BJP has resonated with the people of Odisha, who yearn for a closer connection with their leaders.

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.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has dismissed criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J. P. Nadda and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying their attacks will have no impact on the electoral outcome in Odisha. BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra dismissed Gandhi’s visit to the state, saying it will not affect the Congress’s electoral fortunes. The party also criticized Nadda’s inclusion of charge-sheeted criminal Pradeep Panigrahi in BJP’s campaign, expressing shock and dismay at the move.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s 20-year tenure, calling it ‘lost years’ for the state’s development. He claimed that under BJP rule, both at the state and central levels, Odisha has witnessed significant progress. Shah asserted that the state government has wasted mineral resources and deprived Odisha of development, urging voters to support the BJP for a brighter future.

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.