So close yet so far. Naveen Patnaik, the long-time Chief Minister of Odisha and leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), suffered a significant defeat in the 2024 state assembly elections. Patnaik lost the Kantabanji seat to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate, Laxman Bag, marking a pivotal shift in his own political career since he took the baton from his father, and also a major shift by allowing the BJP to take power in the state in a maiden attempt.
Despite securing a win in his traditional stronghold of Hinjili, this loss reflects deeper undercurrents of dissatisfaction among the electorate.
Patnaik’s downfall is attributed to a combination of anti-incumbency sentiments and internal party controversies, particularly surrounding V.K. Pandian, his private secretary. Pandian’s perceived dominance and projection as Patnaik’s heir created widespread unease within the party and among voters, who were uncomfortable with the influence of an outsider from Tamil Nadu in Odisha’s politics.
It maybe mentioned that, there were several efforts to form a coalition between the BJD and the BJP also fell apart due to disagreements over seat-sharing arrangements. The BJD’s insistence on contesting over 100 seats in the 147-member assembly and the BJP’s demand for 14 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats led to an impasse, exacerbating the BJD’s electoral challenges, as per several sources.
How did the BJP make it’s way into Odisha?
Did they ride the anti-pandian wave, or the BJD was breaking down already?
The BJP’s robust campaign strategy, emphasising local issues and the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resonated with voters. The party promised significant economic benefits, such as higher paddy procurement prices and cash vouchers for women, which appealed to key demographics and eroded the BJD’s traditional voter base.
Despite the electoral loss, Patnaik received widespread sympathy and support on social media, where numerous posts expressed love and admiration for his tenure. This outpouring suggests that while Patnaik himself remained popular, the dissatisfaction was more directed at his administration and particularly at Pandian’s influence
With the BJP winning 78 seats, the BJD 51, Congress 14, and other parties and independents taking the remaining seats, the focus now shifts to who will lead Odisha next. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is a top contender, although the BJP’s central leadership may opt for a surprise candidate. The BJD, meanwhile, faces an existential crisis, needing to redefine its leadership and strategies moving forward.
