Orissa: BJP eyes strong show in local polls

In Orissa, where the BJP has been hoping desperately for the “lotus to bloom”, the party is busy preparing for the panchayat election in a “big way”. From organising rallies in each district, which would be addressed by senior leaders including Central ministers, a “mega rally” to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November, is also part of the election strategy, which many feel is on the same line as that for Assembly election.

Naveen Patnaik-led BJD-ruled Orissa, was among the few states where the “NaMo wave” had failed to make any impact in 2014. Orissa is one of the states, which is on the “priority list” of the BJP to strengthen its organisation as well as its base.

The panchayat elections in the state are scheduled in February next year and it is generally considered that the ruling party dominates these elections.

But the BJP, it is learnt, wants to significantly improve its presence in rural areas through these polls and is considering it as an acid test. Two central leaders Saudan Singh and Shiv Prakash, both deputed from the RSS to the BJP, have been gathering feedback on issues that could help the party not just during the panchayat elections but also for the Assembly elections in 2019. Central ministers are also paying regular visits to the state and showering promises of development.

The BJP has been working hard to present the saffron party as the “only alternative” to the BJD, which is ruling the state since 2000. The ruling BJD has been facing internal disturbance and some of the “young turks” promoted by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik are facing corruption allegation. There is a growing feeling within the BJD that Mr Patnaik is slowly losing the grip over the party as well as governance. Also, the main opposition Congress is facing factionalism. The BJP wants to use this opportunity to present itself as the best alternative for the state.