Dharmendra Pradhan, Soumya Patnaik face-off over BJP’s rise and scope for new regional parties in Odisha

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and senior politician Soumya Ranjan Patnaik came face-to-face on a public platform, engaging in a sharp exchange over the BJP’s rise to power and the possibility of new regional parties emerging in Odisha.

The occasion was the launch of a book on the 2024 elections, held at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Speaking first, Patnaik remarked that the 2024 polls were not a victory of 'Asmita' (identity) but rather a defeat of arrogance. 

Patnaik further argued that if the BJP could form a government despite securing fewer votes than the BJD, then the space for new regional political formations in Odisha also remains open.

Responding to his remarks, Pradhan said that some people are still unable to accept the BJP’s success.

"Narendra Modi gave the 'Asmita' (identity) call, and everybody is saying that 'Asmita' is responsible for the BJP's victory. However, I feel that the BJP won as the people of Odisha wanted the defeat of arrogance. I think arrogance has been defeated in this election. "Asmita has not yet achieved victory," said Patnaik.

"You have got only 40.7 per cent vote. However, you have got more seats. It's a magic not only in Odisha but also in the Indian election process. This is why some individuals are thinking about regional parties. If four to five per cent of votes will be split, then a regional party will also be able to stand. This kind of confidence they are getting from the current situation. This kind of possibility will help many individuals to have new political equations," he said.

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"Odia Asmita has a role to reflect the civilisation and secure the future. One can say, understand, and reflect on it in different ways. A situation like this was created in the last election, and the BJP launched this attack. BJP should not be called an accidental party. There is no doubt that arrogance was defeated. However, accidental BJP has not become its alternative," said Pradhan.

"Those friends who are still not able to accept the rise of the BJP and think that they will be able to bring changes in Odisha with other regional parties, I extend them many, many good wishes. If they are able to make other regional parties, democracy will be strengthened in Odisha," said Pradhan.