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The recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to Odisha has revitalised the State's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During their three-day visit, a strategic meeting lasting for two hours provided the party members with critical insights.
This has spurred the BJP cadre into a more aggressive mode, especially focusing on the forthcoming panchayat elections.
In a significant political manoeuvre, the BJP succeeded in welcoming into its ranks an ally of senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and coordination committee chief Debi Mishra.
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In a joining ceremony, the Badamba block chairman Raghupati Mohanty along with over 100 grassroots workers and panchayat representatives embraced the BJP.
These developments are part of a larger strategy targeting local governance bodies to fortify the BJP's organisational strength in Odisha.
The aftermath of Modi and Shah's visit saw the BJP in Odisha taking on a more assertive posture. Adhering to Modi's guidance, the party is now working on strategies targeting district councils, aiming for comprehensive victories in both panchayat and municipal elections. Where Modi campaigns, the BJD appears to face challenges, as evidenced by the recent defections.
BJD leaders, who have traditionally held sway, are reportedly shifting allegiance to the BJP as they find their previous stronghold weakening. The BJP state unit president Manmohan Samal highlighted a developing list of potential defectors, suggesting the possibility of more politicians, akin to prominent figures Mamata Mohanty and Sujit Kumar, joining the BJP.
However, BJD functionaries have countered these developments, accusing the BJP of misusing law enforcement and administrative resources for political reprisals. The Prime Minister's recent discussions with BJP members involved organisational tactics and a vision for sustaining power over the next 25 years, despite these accusations.
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Modi's engagement with senior State leaders such as Manmohan Samal, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, national Vice-President Baijayant Panda, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan included comprehensive deliberations on strategies impacting State politics.
Plans are in place for organisational elections following a membership drive, with new strategic initiatives anticipated to commence with the New Year.
The Prime Minister is set to return to Odisha on January 8 for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, underscoring his substantial focus on the region, bolstered by considerable local support anticipated in 2024.
