The political atmosphere in Odisha is poised to heat up as some Central leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress will come calling to the state in January 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will come to Odisha after the Central leaders of both parties in New Delhi drew a roadmap for the 2024 elections by holding discussions about the organisation and strategies with their respective state leaders. The state units are now hopeful of the positive impact of the top leaders on Odisha voters.
BJP leader, Jayanarayan Mishra hinted about a tough fight against the BJD government, saying that the issue was discussed by the BJP MLAs during a recent meeting with the Central leaders in New Delhi.
Mishra added that the Prime Minister has asked the MLAs and leaders to complete the organizational work by January 2024.
The saffron party has reportedly been asserting that the BJD government will be voted out of power by the people who are seething with anger against its 23-year rule.
“The PM told us to make the ground ready. After tilling the ground, seed sowing needs to be finished. As soon as it rains, the seeds will germinate. We have the ground, they (Central leaders) have water and fertiliser,” said Jayanarayan.
On the other hand, the Congress camp in Odisha is quite enthused over Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state on January 14 as part of the Bharat Nyay Yatra which will cover 85 districts in 14 states. Rahul will conduct a yatra which will kicks off in Jharkhand and pass through some western Odisha districts before culminating in Chhattisgarh.
Congress leaders exuded hope that Rahul’s visit would make a deep impact on the people. Bijay Patnaik, the chief of the Congress Prachar Committee said, "All party leaders and workers are waiting for Rahul’s visit. All are enthusiastic now. We hope that Rahuls’ Nyay Yatra will bring about a big change in the political landscape of Odisha.”
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However, the BJD sounded confident that whoever comes to Odisha, will make no impact on the people. BJD leader, Uma Samantray observed that the visits of Rahul Gandhi or those of the Central BJP will have no impact in Odisha. "The BJD is always with the people and has worked for the people. And the party will win the 2024 elections,” he asserted.
Political analyst Akshay Sahu said that Rahul’s visit will boost the morale of the state Congress leaders while BJP’s central leaders’ visit will give new direction to the party.Jagdish Das and Soumyarhan Sahoo