BJD may field new faces in half of Lok Sabha seats in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom large, the political arena in Odisha is gearing up for a fierce battle. Led by Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has solidified its position as a dominant force in Odisha politics, emerging as a formidable player in recent Lok Sabha elections. Odisha boasts a total of 21 Lok Sabha seats, with three reserved for SC candidates and five for ST candidates. In the 2019 elections, BJD clinched 12 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 8 seats, leaving the Indian National Congress with just one seat. This time around, BJD is set to introduce fresh faces in several constituencies, including Puri, Kendrapara, Aska, Dhenkanal, and Nabarangapur. Notably, there are indications that BJD will field 7 women candidates, signaling a commitment to gender diversity in its electoral lineup. Existing BJD women MPs from Jajapur, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Keonjhar might have the chance to
contest again, or new faces could emerge if the party opts for a change. BJD’s strategy for the upcoming elections revolves around rejuvenating its ranks by giving prominence to youth and new leaders. These fresh voices are expected to infuse vigor into the party’s campaign and potentially reshape the political landscape of Odisha. In Odisha, the political scenario is dynamic, with BJD, BJP, and Congress engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy. The outcome of the elections will not only have ramifications for the state but also reverberate across the eastern region, potentially influencing the formation of the central government. The rise of BJD as a dominant force in Odisha politics is attributed to its pro people policies, efficient governance, and Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. Over the years, the party has successfully cultivated a strong grassroots network, which has bolstered its electoral prospects. On the other hand, the BJP
has been making concerted efforts to expand its footprint in the state, leveraging the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its
organizational machinery. Meanwhile, the Congress, once a formidable force in Odisha, is grappling with internal challenges and struggling to regain lost ground. As the countdown to the Lok Sabha elections begins, all eyes are on Odisha, where a high-stakes political battle is set to unfold, with far-reaching implications for the state and beyond.

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