Is Odisha heading towards religion-based politics?

Is Odisha heading towards religion-based politics? Such speculations are rife following the recent announcement of the 'Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha' scheme by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led government ahead of the crucial 2024 polls. Questions are being asked whether the scheme has been launched as already the Odisha government is on the back foot on the sensitive matter of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar.

Apart from this, questions are also being asked whether the BJD is trying to play the ‘religious sentiments’-card ahead of the polls or is it a ploy to play the ‘soft Hindutva'-card to checkmate the BJP?

The scheme aims to protect places of worship, develop rural infrastructure and preserve local heritage, sources said. Each panchayat will get Rs 10 lakh for the creation of amenities for the purpose of promotion, preservation and protection of Jagannath culture, places of worship and pilgrim amenities. It is being said that the BJD has brought the scheme as part of a well-planned strategy to grab a major chunk of the rural vote share.

Under the scheme, up to Rs 50 lakh can be spent in each panchayat for the development of infrastructure and the Panchayati Raj department has released guidelines in this regard. The concerned block office will approve the projects which will be selected by the people. However, funds will not be sanctioned for any old project.

BJP has alleged that the move by BJD is to save itself from public resentment.

“There is resentment among the public against the BJD-led government. There is an undercurrent. The BJD is trying to spend Rs 2 to 5 lakh for construction of temples to influence people just to sail through the polls,” said BJP leader, Pradip Purohit.

Speculation is rife over the real intention behind launching the scheme. Whether it is to woo the voters in the name of promotion and protection of Jagannath culture and counter the anti-government mood or check the BJP as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be inaugurated in January 2024?

Senior journalist, Rabi Das said, “The programme is only for the 2024 polls. BJP is the prime opposition and the programme is an advanced strategy so that they are not able to mobilise people based on religious sentiments.”

BJD leader Amar Satpathy, on the other hand, said, “Jagannath culture is vast and we have decided to popularise it. We were talking about transformation and the Nabin Odisha programme will be implemented through it. Those who are saying such things will see what will be the impact during the polls.”