West Bengal Elections: Left Front’s Reflections On No Seats and Future Alliances
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/7th June 2024
In a landmark turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the government in Odisha, ending the 24-year reign of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited Dharmendra Pradhan for his pivotal role in crafting the party’s manifesto for the Odisha assembly elections during a recent rally. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also hinted at a more significant role for Pradhan, who has emerged as a top contender for the Chief Minister’s position.
Pradhan, a key lieutenant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, played an instrumental role in shaping the manifesto, which includes promises such as buying paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal and providing cash vouchers of Rs 50,000 to women under the Subhadra Yojana. The manifesto also strongly advocates for Odia pride (asmita) and addresses issues such as the attack on IAS-turned-politician VK Pandian and the emotive “missing keys” controversy surrounding the Ratna Bhandar at the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Pradhan’s leadership in managing the BJP’s poll strategy was evident, overseeing day-to-day affairs and contributing to the party’s significant gains. By 8 p.m. on the election night, the BJP had secured 35 seats and was leading in another 42, well above the halfway mark of 74 seats in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly. The final tally saw the BJP winning 72 seats and leading in 6, making it the single largest party with 78 seats. The BJD won 50 seats, while the Congress secured 14, CPI(M) 1, and independents 3.
The BJP’s victory is seen as a historic upset, fueled by strong anti-incumbency sentiments and widespread discontent against VK Pandian, whose influence in governance and party affairs drew ire. The BJD’s citadel in Odisha crumbled under these pressures, paving the way for the BJP to claim victory.
If confirmed as the new Chief Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan will be the first BJP leader to hold this position in Odisha, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. His potential ascension comes as the BJP plans to implement its vision for Odisha, as outlined in the comprehensive manifesto that resonated with voters across the state.
Outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who would have become India’s longest-serving Chief Minister if the BJD had won, now faces a new political reality. Patnaik’s tenure, characterized by stability and developmental initiatives, ultimately succumbed to the dynamic and aggressive campaign led by the BJP.
The BJP’s success in Odisha is a testament to its robust electoral strategy and the leadership of figures like Dharmendra Pradhan. As the party prepares to form the government, all eyes are on Pradhan, who is expected to play a crucial role in steering Odisha towards new growth and development under BJP governance. The end of Patnaik’s era and the rise of Pradhan signify a new chapter for Odisha, one that promises significant political and economic transformations in the years to come.
