Early election speculations charging up political climate in Odisha 

The speculations about early Assembly elections in Odisha have increased the political temperature by a few notches. 

At a time when speculations are rife about early elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Sarangi asked about the legitimacy of holding elections earlier. 

“Elections are held simultaneously at the Centre and in the state. Why the election should be held early?  In such case, lots of money will be spent. Time will go waste in the name of the model code of conduct. Developmental works will be affected. It is not good to hold early elections. But, we are always ready to face elections at any time,” said Sarangi. 

On the other hand, the state unit of the Congress said early elections in Odisha would favour the party. 

“It depends on Amit Shah. If he waves green signal for early elections in Odisha, then there will be early elections. Naveen Patnaik requires more MLAs and Narendra Modi needs more MPs. No such green signal has so far been received. Once received, the elections would be conducted.

Keeping this in view, we have been conducting meetings for the last three days. The Congress will make most of the early elections,” said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati. 

On the other hand, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take the final call on early elections. 

“To face the elections, be it held earlier or on time, a party needs people’s support. We have that support. And our pro-people schemes and yojanas are bearing fruits. People are saying they are receiving immense benefits from our yojanas. I think this will favour us,” said BJD MLA Amar Satapathy.