Bhubaneswar: Some say their own complacency befell them, others concede it as disease which needs immediate treatment; but as BJP’s bite into the Panchayat pie is getting deeper, BJD is noticeably feeling the pinch.
BJP’s performance in the first two phases of the ongoing 3-tier as shown by the unofficial count has surprised one and all to the extent that even BJD which still remains the winner is visibly out of its comfort zone. It’s been a performance of sorts for the BJP which has already won in 127 zones while it was only able to win 36 in the 2012 elections.
“The BJP has won in a few zones. It is like a Dengue fever. It doesn’t kill you and if treated at the right time it can be cured. After we review our performance once the polls are over, BJP will go back to its previous position,” said Excise and Cooperation minister, Damodar Rout.
Other BJD leaders attribute BJP’s surge and their own sub-standard results as complacency which has set in within the party after holding on to power for so long.
“We have been winning for long hence everyone was very complacent. This is the result of our complacency. Moreover, Congress has also merged with BJP,” said minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
There might be different reasons, but it is definitely a warning bell which, if goes unheeded, might lead to perilous circumstances.
“BJD has tasted success in every election. This time round, BJP seems to have gained some ground which is creating a doubt over BJD. Nonetheless, it is a loud warning bell for the BJD,” said BJD MLA, Prafulla Samal.
Even though BJD still remains on top after the unofficial results from the first two phases, its share has definitely declined. BJD has lost as many as 70 zones in the first two phases.
Actor Uttam Mohanty who recently joined BJD hinted at one of the problems while commenting on the party’s poor results in Mayurbhanj district.
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“There is so much of difference in opinion among the party leaders that, I could have only done something had I joined the party much earlier. It’s not a fight between BJD and BJP; but a tussle within BJD. I would blame the local leaders for poor performance in Mayurbhanj district,” said Mohanty.
“The party will definitely review why vote bank has declined and would find out the real cause,” said senior BJD spokesperson, Surya Narayan Patra.