BJP is all set to form its maiden independent govt in
Odisha
, with the state voting for a change, bringing to an end the Biju Janata Dal’s unbroken 24-year stint led by CM
Naveen
Patnaik, 77.
Riding anti-incumbency against Naveen, BJP — which had shared power with him as a junior coalition partner in Odisha from 2000 to 2009 — diligently crafted its campaign strategy for a double engine govt, blending emotive issues like Odia asmita (pride), people’s aspirations and the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BJP has bagged 78 seats, BJD 51, Congress 14 and CPM one, with three Independents completing the tally. Naveen himself lost one of the two seats, Kantabanji, but managed to win Hinjili making it his sixth straight win.
“It’s a vote for change. An entire generation of people in their early 40s or younger in Odisha has never seen a second CM. Young voters clearly wanted change,” said RK Satapathy, a retired professor of political science.
BJP’s landmark victory thwarted Naveen’s ambition of becoming the longest-serving
CM
in India, a milestone he would have reached by Aug this year. Naveen had never lost since he first fought the assembly polls in 2000.
Lok Sabha Elections
Assembly Elections
Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah campaigned extensively in Odisha, emphasizing on local concerns such as the missing keys of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasure trove of Lord Jagannath at the iconic Puri temple, the increasing influence of Tamil Nadu-born IAS officer-turned-BJD strategist VK Pandian in Naveen’s govt, and the CM’s declining health and advanced age.
Asking people if they were ready for a CM from Tamil Nadu in Pandian, BJP promised a young and native Odia to occupy the position.
Sensing that public sentiments were turning against his confidante, just ahead of the final phase of the elections on June 1, Naveen anno unced that Pandian was not his successor. Naveen also tried to convince people that he is healthy enough to lead the state. But it was too late as voters had made up their minds.
“In the polls being held against the backdrop of failed coalition talks between BJP and BJD, the latter was in a weak position in terms of people’s perception. This is be cause BJP unilaterally withdrew from the alliance plan, citing disagreements with the regional party on issues of Odia asmita and the welfare of the people of Odisha,” Satapathy said.
The shift from the longstanding BJD stint to a BJP led govt is anticipated to bring about changes in various facets of the state’s development and governance.
Speaking during a victory celebration in the party office in Bhubaneswar, BJP’s national vice-president Baijayant Panda termed the day as “historic,” marking the beginning of efforts for “a new Odisha for a new India” where “Odia asmita” remains important.
The focus has now shifted to who may become the CM. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan has emerged top contender though BJP central brass may well spring a surprise. BJD state chief Manmohan Samal, who was also in the reckoning, lost the Chandabali seat by 1,916 votes.
BJP’s manifesto promises, such as procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal against the current minimum support price of Rs 2,183, solidified farmers’ support, while the Rs 50,000 cash voucher pledge for women under the Subhadra Yojana eroded BJD’s loyal women voter base. BJP managed to connect itself with Odia sentiments by raising the Ratna Bhandar issue at Puri.
Historically, Odisha has been governed by Congressled govts for more than four decades and the Janata Dal (1977-1980 and 1990-1995). Regional parties like the Swatantra Party and Utkal Congress have governed the state for approximately five years (1967-1971 and 1971-1972).
The results have pushed BJD, which has dominated Odisha’s political landscape for nearly 25 years under Naveen, to an existential crisis. Since he joined politics following his father Biju Patnaik’s demise in 1997, Naveen has always been in the hot seat, first as Union minister from 1998 to 1999 and then as CM.
Whether he will choose to become opposition leader or assign the responsibility to a party colleague will be interesting to watch.
