Srimoy Kar
Elections 2024 is witnessing a battle between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha like never before. The acrimony between the two parties is so pronounced and open this time that it is difficult to imagine that both, not too long ago, were political soul mates scratching each other’s back for reasons beyond the realm of their supporters and the public. Today, words are not minced when they attack each other for their political space and existence in the state. The change in the scenario provides the much-needed fun to the voters who wait for five long years for such rhetoric and optics. At stake, is Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s popularity vis-à-vis Prime Minister Narendra Modii’s perceptible impact over the electorate. The dramatis personae in the current run up to the twin polls in Odisha are two astute and seasoned politicians whom people have no reasons to trash or disbelieve. Therefore, it has become increasingly difficult to gauge the mood of the voters despite two rounds of polling being over.
Notwithstanding the severe mud-slinging and visible belligerence in their campaign against each other, many believe this display of serious political enmity between the BJP and BJD may eventually end up in a bonhomie post poll like before though a mood for change is very much in the air. The shift in the stand could possibly be because of anti-incumbency and watching the same face for such a long time or the desire for a change out of monotony. Ironically, either way the travails of the people are unlikely to improve and possibly end up in a similar fate whosoever succeeds in gaining the power. This is not to undermine the series of welfare measure or freebies put in place by the BJD government over the years but one needs to analyse how such largesse have contributed to the overall growth of Odisha as a state.That’s what Naveen’s antagonists, including BJP, are holding against him and have launched a frontal attack about his lack of knowledge of Odia and on Odisha blaming him squarely for handing over the administration and BJD politics to his Man Friday, V.K.Pandian, the IAS-turned-recent politician.
BJD swears by the developmental politics practised by Patnaik with an `impeccable image’ which is getting countered vociferously by BJP all out demolish `the myth’ portrayed by Pandian, who is spearheading the party’s campaign almost single-handedly, as nothing but a hog wash. He is the star campaigner after Naveen who is working overtime to ensure victory for the sixth-term for his ` idol-cum-master’. His chopper-stop-run across the length and breadth of Odisha to garner support for BJD is largely a solo effort where party candidates are hardly given any importance, a criticism he has ignored with elan. His general refrain is that of stability, pro-poor measures by BJD and a chief minister who believes in `serving the people’. All this is not without new poll promises to counter the opposition tirade significant of which is free electricity to 90 percent families from July. Though there is no clarity yet, this could prove to be a game changer.
In contrast, BJP which seems determined to wrest power in the state, has left no stone unturned by parading a battery of its leaders for election campaign, including Prime Minister Modi who has made three visits to the state in a fortnight holding two road shows and addressing six election gatherings. Never before the BJP had shown such seriousness in purpose during elections in Odisha. It accuses Naveen government of inertia, incompetence, corruption and over all mal-administration pushing the state backwards beyond `redemption’ and promises to catapult the state to number one position if voted to power. However, the major chink in BJP’s armour as far as the Assembly election is concerned is the absence of a party chief ministerial face to the advantage of Naveen Patnaik. No matter what impact Modi wave has on the voters, the election is being perceived as a tussle between Patnaik and BJP. Modi factor is definitely a consideration when it comes to the voting for the Lok Sabha.
Another very interesting phenomenon was noticed this election in the state – the rampant party hopping by `netas’ denied tickets by their respective parties. It seemed as if both sides were waiting for this to happen leaving the voters to wonder and accept the evaporation of ideologies when it came to their political survival. Congress, which `chose’ not to be in the reckoning, has made a very feeble attempt to salvage its position. The so called `shadow boxing’ between BJD and BJP in Odisha as described by the senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh a few days ago could turn out to be prophetic.
The author is former Resident Editor of New Indian Express. He can be contacted at [email protected]
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com)
