BJP chalks out poll strategy for Odisha at Guwahati meet 

In the presence of a phalanx of leaders, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday prepared a blueprint at its Guwahati meet for the general elections 2024, which is less than a year away. 

The meeting of 12 states from the eastern and north-eastern parts was attended by several bigwigs including National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh, National Vice Presidents Baijayant Panda and Raghubar Das, National General Secretary Sunil Bansal, National Spokesperson Sambit Patra, MPs, MLAs and state unit presidents among others. 

At the meeting, the state representatives gave a detailed account of the party’s position in their respective states. Odisha being the focus of the party, a special discussion on the state was held at the meeting. 

Odisha BJP President, Manmohan Samal, state organisational general secretary Manas Mohanty, Odisha co-in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar held a threadbare discussion on the party’s position in Odisha. The discussions were focused on getting more seats in the state. 
Besides, the meeting also discussed about the Maha Jansampark Abhiyan. 

When contacted, Odisha BJP president, Manmohan Samal said over phone that “Emphasis was laid on building the organisation. Decisions on steps to be taken for the 2024 general elections were also made. After finalisation by the central leadership, the decisions will be implemented in letter and spirit.”

Odisha BJP general secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan said, “Strategy has been drawn for 84 Legislative Assembly seats and the 12 Lok Sabha seats we lost last time.”

On the other hand, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress said the blueprint prepared at Guwahati meet will have little impact. 

“They (the BJP) had said they would win in 120 plus seats. So what they are saying holds little importance. But it is clear that the people of Odisha will vote BJD to power,” said senior BJD leader, Devi Prasad Mishra. 

OPCC chief Sarat Patnaik said, “They (the BJP) are saying that they would form government in Odisha. But the fact is that the BJP will have little impact in Odisha. Today, common people are asking what they have done for the state.”