Arun Joshi

The Lok Sabha elections in all seasons are counted on the voting patterns and outcome in big states – Uttar Pradesh , Bihar , and Maharashtra  as they contribute 168 seats to the House of people, thus hold key to the government formation . These states ride on the strength of number of their seats , in this scenario  there is no less significance of Odisha that sends 21 members to Lok Sabha .

Odisha’s numerical strength in  Lok Sabha may   not be as crucial factor as that of the three largest states, but it has a strength of its own  which makes it nationally important . It is the quality of the politics of Odisha which , so far has demonstrated a great example of federalism – the  Centre and the state have been more in news for nice words and actions rather than vicious clashes . Despite not having what BJP calls “ Double-Engine Sarkar ( government)”, Odisha has shown that as part of the Indian Union , it has lived up to the Indian constitutional obligations as  a firm believer in federalism – it always kept two-way track open . The Centre , too, had to walk with caution  and avoided unnecessary coercion.

In 2024 Lok Sabha polls , during which Odisha is also having its Assembly polls  as well , is a unique scenario. Politically, Odisha’s   importance cannot be undermined just by the lesser number of seats than   big states . It has its own resources – it is reckoned as a leader in mineral deposits . The state is crucial to the Indian economy, the country depends on its natural resources and the contribution it makes to  workforce in many states  in  the country. At this point in time, Odisha  is witnessing  crisscross   of national and local issues in the simultaneous polls . Certain points  have converged and the voter is asked to make a choice .

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The choice of Odisha voters   is going to define a new politics at the national level . It is beyond the number of seats that BJD, and BJP win in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls . It is all about the uniqueness of Odisha   as also its role in the national politics . Odisha’s role  at the state, national and international level is at stake . While the people-oriented issues will set ball rolling for its role within the state and at the national level , yet the international investors interested in its mineral treasure trove will be no less interested .

The nation is keenly watching elections in Odisha , where though BJP and BJD are keen rials , after their talks for the alliance failed to succeed . this is common in politics , especially in India , where alliances are  clinched  or collapse at the  last minute. This happened to the possibility of BJP-BJD alliance, and now the two parties are against each other.

Odisha in the last five years demonstrated that its MPs , particularly Dharmendra Pradhan , played a key role in revolutionary New Education Policy , and setting up a network of professional institutions , which helped  in spread of quality and professional education in the country . It has made the country a leader in the education sector.

At the time of  elections to the office of President , Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik  and his party BJD , rose above the political dividing lines,  and voted for Droupadi Murmu, daughter of the soil . This was a great gesture not only toward an individual , but also toward the whole population of the state that how the political differences can be sunk when it comes to the prestige of the state and its cultural ethos . This also sent a powerful message to the country that Odisha believes in all-inclusive concept of Indianness . Droupadi Murmu became president of the country because of overwhelming  support of the BJP lawmakers across the states  and union territories, but the most significant feature was her Odisha origin and the  honour that BJD led Naveen Patnaik government bestowed on her . This is the kind of the politics that Odisha represents .

Odisha in these current elections has to live up to legacy of its past, in which conciliation is more important than confrontation . That should not deter the state from seeking its rights within the Indian union , in matter of allocation of funds , and uplift of the population . The political narratives of Odisha are  being monitored . As it is different from some other states, particularly  Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh where  the political and communal polarization has cast a shadow over the idea of development and welfare schemes.

Analysts see  an opportunity for Odisha. To redefine and raise its role at the national level , because it is a great example of co-existence of the diverse political thoughts and ideologies , but with a single mission of strengthening the Indian union.

Arun Joshi is author of “Eyewitness Kashmir; Teetering on Nuclear War and senior journalist based in Jammu and Kashmir, writes on South Asian affairs)

Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.