oppn parties BJD Sweeps Panchayat Polls In Odisha

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BJD Sweeps Panchayat Polls In Odisha

By Linus Garg
First publised on 2022-02-28 06:26:44

About the Author

Sunil Garodia Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.

In a record-breaking performance, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) swept the panchayat polls in Odisha by winning 90% of the seats in zilla parishads where results have been declared. Although these numbers are likely to change after the final counting results are in, the early trends and the declared results show that public support for Naveen Patnaik has increased as the chief minister focuses on the development of the state and stays away from politics at the national level.

Elections were held in 851 zilla parishads (total 853). Till reports last came in, results were declared for 315 zilla parishad seats and the BJD had won 281 of them. The BJP and the Congress trailed behind with just 15 and 14 seats respectively. Of the others, trends showed that the BJD was leading in 271 of the 306 seats for which votes are being counted. These trends indicate that the BJD is likely to form zilla parishad councils in almost all 30 districts. The dominance is complete as in as many as 20 districts the opposition is yet to open its account.

The BJP was the biggest loser in these elections. In 2017, it had swept the polls in the western districts and Mayurbhanj, which are considered its strongholds. It had then formed councils in eight districts. But this time, the BJD has turned the tables. The BJP is struggling to retain its base. As for the Congress, the party is totally out of contention in the state.

The rural voters of Odisha have clearly supported Naveen Patnaik and BJD for their people-friendly policies including direct cash transfers to the poor and various schemes in housing and health sectors. Patnaik's personal popularity is at an all time high and that helps the BJD, although he did not hit the campaign trail in the panchayat elections. 

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