Tag: Lok Sabha Elections

The Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha is set for a heated triangular contest among BJD's Arup Patnaik, BJP's Sambit Patra, and Congress's Jay Narayan Patnaik. Sambit Patra, re-nominated by BJP, faces his second election after a defeat in 2019. Arup Patnaik, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner and now with BJD, also marks his recent political involvement. Meanwhile, it's a debut for Congress’s Jay Narayan.

In the 2024 Odisha elections, key political shifts occur as Bhartruhari Mahtab switches from BJD to BJP for Cuttack's Lok Sabha seat, challenging first-time candidate Santrupt Misra of BJD and Congress' Suresh Mohapatra. This reshuffling highlights the strategic importance and intense competition in Cuttack.

Campaigning for the third phase of elections in Odisha ended on Thursday. On May 25, six Lok Sabha and 42 Assembly seats will go to polls amid elaborate security arrangements with focus on sensitive booths.

In a surprising turn of events during the last day of campaigning for the third phase elections in Odisha, BJD MLA Jitu Mitra joined BJP candidate Aparajita Sarangi's rally in Khordha. Mitra, denied a BJD ticket this time, expressed his support for the BJP, indicating a significant political shift.

BJP leader Samir Mohanty claimed that Odisha's CM Naveen Patnaik is being held hostage, citing suspicious AI-generated videos featuring Patnaik. He also expressed concerns over 'bureaucratic control over governance.'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, Aparajita Sarangi targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday again, saying, "The Chief Minister could not furnish evidence on the allegations brought against me over developmental works in Bhubaneswar.”

BJP National President JP Nadda claimed that the people of Odisha are set to elect BJP for all 21 Lok Sabha seats and expressed their desire for a change from Naveen Patnaik's leadership. He highlighted Modi's contributions to development and tribal welfare, criticized the BJD government's neglect of tribals and the poor, and questioned the governance model under current leadership, emphasizing the need for local leadership in state governance.

While addressing a public meeting, Yogi Adityanath appealed to people to vote for MP candidate Baijayant Panda and other BJP candidates contesting from various Assembly constituencies.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claims that Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik is held hostage by VK Pandian, leading to a loss of autonomous governance in Odisha. Sarma predicts the dissolution of BJD post-election as leaders with self-respect will likely join BJP.

A supporter of independent candidate Soumya Ranjan Patnaik was allegedly attacked by BJD workers at Ghasipura Assembly constituency in Keonjhar.

In Odisha, a significant number of people oppose regime change, fearing the BJP's potential for exacerbating communal tensions and authoritarian practices. Despite Naveen Patnaik's long tenure marked by various governance issues, many prefer the known challenges over the risks of BJP rule. This resistance spans from those benefiting from Patnaik’s patronage to those fearing unknown political shifts.

BJP's National Vice President Baijayant Panda and candidate for Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat, announced at a Mahila Samavesh that the BJP is set to form the government in Odisha with an 'Odia Pua' as Chief Minister. He criticized the current state government and echoed Narendra Modi's statement regarding the impending end of the BJD's tenure.

Aboard a special bus, the Chief Minister exhorted people to vote for the party candidates. 

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has remained silent amid escalating attacks from BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who questioned his governance on several scams and mismanagement. The BJP has promised transformative changes if elected, while BJD maintains a strategic silence, raising public suspicion.

The Election Commission of India issued notices to BJP and Congress regarding statements by their star campaigners that violate the Model Code of Conduct during the Lok Sabha elections. The EC emphasized maintaining decorum and avoiding divisive narratives.