Congress becoming potent opposition in Odisha amid ‘aimless BJD’!

In a revitalised effort at the Legislative Assembly, the Congress party has significantly boosted its presence, posing a formidable challenge to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

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Although traditionally Congress was the principal Opposition, the party has now undertaken this role with newfound vigour, thereby overshadowing the typically dominant BJD, which seems to falter in the absence of its leader Naveen Patnaik in the forefront.

Congress strategies that perhaps worked

Strategic appointments have seen Bhakta Charan Das take on the role of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president and Ajay Kumar Lallu appointed as the Odisha in-charge, both steps bolstering Congress's organisational structure.

Despite holding just 14 seats against the BJD's 51 in the Legislative Assembly, Congress has adeptly highlighted pressing issues such as women's safety, disrupting proceedings multiple times to demand the formation of House committees and organising protests outside the State legislature.

Often perceived as having a weaker presence in the State, Congress is working to reshape that narrative. Notably, the senior Congress figures have demonstrated unity by staging a midnight protest outside the Assembly, symbolising a marked shift in their approach.

As the legislative session progresses, Congress remains steadfast in raising critical discussions, particularly concerning the ‘safety of women’ as well as the rights of marginalized communities.

On the other hand, the BJD appears disjointed, with few active participants such as the party’s MLAs Arun Kumar Sahoo and Sarada Prasanna Jena leading initiatives, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach.

This evolving political landscape sees Congress steadily carving out a role as a potent Opposition force, garnering more prominence in public discourse and challenging the ruling party's stance.

“BJD joining hands with Congress means as if the BJD has lost its identity and the party has no supremo. It is unclear who is taking the party leadership. It also seems as if the BJD has no clear-cut stand and political agenda,” noted political analyst Prasanna Mohanty.

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“In a situation when there is no clear picture of BJD’s political strategies, it suggests that the party is now in confusion,” the political analyst expressed.