BJD and BJP Split Seats in Odisha's By-Elections Amid Political Uncertainty

BJD and BJP split key seats in Odisha by-elections, with BJD holding Kendrapara and Bapoor, while BJP gains in Khallikote and Harabhanga.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The recent by-elections in Odisha saw a mixed bag of results as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) made gains in different regions, with each party securing significant victories in key local positions. While the BJP emerged victorious in one Panchayat Samiti, the BJD managed to retain its hold over three others, showcasing the ongoing political tug-of-war in the state.

In Kendrapara District, BJD successfully retained the Zilla Parishad Chairperson position, with Lalita Das emerging as the unopposed winner. Lalita Das was the only candidate to file her nomination, thereby winning without opposition, a significant victory for the BJD, considering the district's political landscape. The absence of a BJP candidate in this race has sparked discussions in political circles, especially given the party's strength in the state.

However, BJD's success in Kendrapara was not mirrored in Khallikote, where the BJP clinched the Panchayat Samiti Chairperson seat. The BJP candidate, Kumari Das, received overwhelming support, securing 25 out of 28 votes, while the BJD's Deotari Pradhan managed to garner just 3 votes. This defeat marks the end of the BJD's 24-year-long dominance over the position in Khallikote, highlighting a strategic victory for the BJP.

BJP’s Stronghold in Khallikote and BJD’s Loss in Rayagada

The BJP's strategic gains continued as the party captured the Vice-Chairperson position in Harabhanga Panchayat Samiti. Kahnu Charan Nath was unanimously elected to the post, solidifying BJP's growing influence in the region. This victory was a significant blow to the BJD, which had controlled the position for years.

In Rayagada Block, BJD-backed candidate Guptaprasad Jha won the Panchayat Samiti Chairperson seat, securing 16 votes against BJP’s candidate, who received only 7 votes. The election in Rayagada was closely watched, as it followed the resignation of the previous chairperson, Navina Nayak, who had earlier stepped down to contest in the state assembly elections.

Controversies and Legal Hurdles

The elections, however, were not without controversy. The Odisha High Court’s stay order led to the postponement of by-elections in three blocks—Narla in Kalahandi, Kukudakhandi in Ganjam, and Kabisuryanagar Panchayat Samiti. These elections, originally scheduled for today, were halted due to ongoing legal disputes, adding a layer of uncertainty to the already contentious political atmosphere in the state.

BJD’s Retention in Bapoor and the Aftermath

In Bapoor Panchayat Samiti, BJD's Savitri Pradhan retained the Chairperson seat after winning unopposed. Savitri Pradhan had previously resigned to contest as the BJD candidate in the general elections from Khurda but was defeated. Her unopposed victory in this by-election is seen as a comeback, ensuring BJD’s control over the Bapoor seat.

The by-elections in Odisha have underscored the volatile nature of the state's political landscape. While BJD has managed to maintain its stronghold in several key areas, the BJP's strategic victories have sent a clear message of its rising influence. As the dust settles, these results are likely to have far-reaching implications for the upcoming state elections, with both parties recalibrating their strategies to gain an upper hand in Odisha's political arena.