2024 is also crucial in the political history of India, because then Odisha State Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections will be held. “Important because the leadership and direction, then state, and even the country as a whole will depend on who we put our trust in,” Tooley said. Odisha, with scores of cultural heritage and historical significance to its name, will be important state in the upcoming electoral battle.
This article will discuss all the vital components of Odisha State election and Lok Sabha election 2024. The political scenarios, key players, strategies on which they can go ahead with and last but not least how it could change the future for both nation as well as state.
Political Landscape of Odisha
Odisha in eastern India presents a unique political environment, which is marked by a marriage of both the regional and national factors. The state is regarded as a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) bastion, the regional party founded by stalwart of Odisha politics late Biju Patnaik and currently headed by Naveen Patnaik, his son. Born in 1997, the BJD has since then been operating as a national leader by leaving an indelible mark on Odisha’s politics over two decades with series of state jpslot election victories and having ten numbers of Devgiri for party support
In the 2019 elections, for instance, in Odisha — where three-fourth of its state Assembly along with 12 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats were won by BJD — had left little space for any other player to emerge. However, the BJP did emerge as a strong challenger making big strides increasing its vote share here and winning eight of Delhi’s 11 Lok Sabha seats. At the same time, INC which was once a dominant player in the state has been finding it an uphill task to plant roots again and make itself count in Odisha.
Key Contenders
The political scenario in Odisha is escalating ahead of the 2024 elections with a few prominent players eyeing it.Reference : The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD is trying to maintain its winning momentum by focusing on the strong organisation skills and popular welfare schemes. Patnaik’s clean and efficient image have also played a key role in BJD’s growth through the years. The party is likely to rely on how it has governed, built infrastructure and ensured social protection as part of its campaign narrative.
The BJP, under state president Samir Mohanty, is working hard to overcome the BJD’s hegemony. Buoyed by its showing in the 2019 elections, when it won over a dozen seats, the party is said to be aiming at highlighting issues like corruption, unemployment and developmental deficit to tap voters.
The party’s national leadership, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, would also have key roles in planning the strategy to be followed by the BJP. Both leaders can attract votes on issues like nationalism hence they will help represent “national stature”.
Congress which is trying to revive its fortunes in Odisha under the leadership of state president Sarat Pattanayak The ruling party is likely to harp on its historical legacy, pro-poor policies and assurances of inclusive development. But the Congress will find it difficult to reinvent itself and shake-off internal faction fights that have badly eroded its credibility over time.
Campaign Strategies in the elections
OutlookWhile Deoskar has brought the elections down to a neck-to-neck fight between Congress and BJD, it is clear that the campaign strategies of the major parties will play an intrinsic role in deciding how 2024 finally pans out. *The BJD will bank heavily on its vast organizational network and project the work it has done in terms of good governance. The party would concentrate mainly on the key issues of healthcare, education, rural development, women’s empowerment etc. The focus of BJD’s campaign narrative is likely to remain Naveen Patnaik’s image as a ‘compassionate and visionary leader’.
“The national party’s campaign will be high decibel and issue-based, criticizing the BJD on corruption, its inability to attract major industries and poor infrastructure across state,” he said. At the national level, the party is expected to cite major achievements of Modi government like Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat and Make in India among others. The campaign will also be centred around reaching out to youths and first-time voters through social media and different digital platforms, the BJP leader said.
As for the Congress, it will have to rebuild its organisational structure and reconnect with cadres at grassroot levels. The party is likely to focus on social justice, poverty elimination and welfare of farmers in particular. Further Congress will also have to effectively solve its internal conflicts and present ‘united face’ against both BJD as well as BJP through protest, struggle and agitation.
Key Issues and Voter Concerns
Several key issues are likely to dominate the electoral discourse in Odisha, influencing voter preferences and party strategies. These include:
- Economic Development and Employment: Economic development and job creation are critical concerns for voters in Odisha. The state has a high unemployment rate, and there is a demand for more industrialization and infrastructure development to boost the economy. Parties will need to present credible plans for economic growth and job creation to win voter support.
- Agriculture and Farmer Welfare: Agriculture is the backbone of Odisha’s economy, and the welfare of farmers is a major electoral issue. Issues such as minimum support prices, irrigation facilities, crop insurance, and loan waivers are likely to be significant in the campaign. Parties will need to address the concerns of farmers and propose policies to improve agricultural productivity and income.
- Healthcare and Education: Access to quality healthcare and education remains a challenge in many parts of Odisha. The state has made progress in improving healthcare infrastructure and education facilities, but there is still a long way to go. Parties will need to focus on improving healthcare services, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing issues such as malnutrition and maternal health.
- Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and transportation, is a key concern for voters in Odisha. The state has made strides in improving infrastructure, but there are still areas that require significant investment. Parties will need to present plans for infrastructure development to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth.
- Social Welfare and Women Empowerment: Social welfare programs and women empowerment are important issues in Odisha. The BJD has implemented several successful welfare schemes, such as the Mamata scheme for pregnant women and the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana for healthcare. Parties will need to focus on continuing and expanding social welfare programs to address the needs of marginalized communities and empower women.
Potential Impact on Odisha and India
Odisha State and Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be game-changer for both state perspective as well as nation prospective. Meanwhile, in Odisha crucial elections will decide the way forward for the state, in terms of leadership and policy direction. BJD’s continued hegemony or a possible change of the guard in favour of BJP or Congress would determine governance, developmental agenda and socio-economic direction for Odisha.
The Lok Sabha results of Odisha will also determined how the numbers stack up for a party at the Centre’s next formation.. While Odisha’s 21 Lok Sabha seats have a bearing on the larger electoral calculus, how parties stack up in votes and seats will impact their national positioning or repositioning as well.
Conclusion
The Odisha State and Lok Sabha elections 2024 are poised to be a defining moment in the political history of the state and the nation. The elections will be characterized by intense competition, strategic campaigning, and a focus on key issues affecting the lives of voters. As the major parties gear up for the electoral battle, the people of Odisha will play a crucial role in shaping the future of their state and contributing to the democratic process of India.
The outcome of these elections will not only determine the leadership and direction of Odisha but also have a lasting impact on the political landscape of the country. If you like reading this article, please consider reading our article about Banff National Park.
