The Odisha Assembly Election 2024 is a significant event of the political history in the state. The election, which was held in four phases from May 13 to June 1, 2024, will decide the composition of the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly. The event is of particular interest due to its potential to terminate or extend the Biju Janata Dal’s rule, which has been lasting for many years under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is running for a record sixth term.
At the same time, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress seek to strengthen their positions within the state. Election Phases and Voter Turnout The conduct of an wdbos election in phases was motivated by the need to manage the large electorate efficiently and ensure smooth proceedings. The first The phase was characterised by various levels of voter turnout and a number of challenges and events. Phase 1 The election began in 24 assembly segments and five Lok Sabha constituencies.
Between 7 and 9 AM, the voter turnout was 6.99%, and Bargarh recorded the highest voter turnout of 9.31%. The high initial mobilisation was characteristic of the subsequent phases. Phase 2 25 additional assembly segments were covered in the second phase. By 11 am, the voter turnout was 21.30%. A flag march was conducted in the Banpur region to ensure the safe conduct of polling. The phase was notable for the administrative efforts to control it.
Overview
Phase 3 (25 May 2024):Polling in this phase was held in six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 assembly segments Around 7.43% voter turnout as of 9 AM Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Bhubaneswar in particular were among the crucial constituencies in this phase, highlighting a mix of urban and rural voter dynamics. Many social groups and organizations also participated in the phase.
Phase specific data Phase 4 (1 June 2024) — The last phase of assembly elections, involving key constituencies, saw the overall voter turnout of 74.51%. Last day of political activity: Voting on May 19 for 7-phase Lok Sabha elections & for phase 7 of Lok Sabha 2019 Summary of Phase 7 Voting was held in 59 Lok Sabha seats States which went to polling in Phase 7 of Lok Sabha elections included Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal and Chandigarh constituencies of Punjab. The turnout at this phase has shown that the electorate was more engaged and the process was effective in reaching myriad sections of the voters.
Main Political Stakeholders and Political Tactics
Top Contenders in Odisha Assembly Election 2024: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC) Both sides have used unique ways to galvanize the support of the electorate, and gain majority.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD): The party is in poll mode based on the developmental works carried out by the Naveen Patnaik administration over the last two decades. Patnaik, who is seeking reelection from two assembly segments (Hinjili in Ganjam district and Kantabanji in Bolangir district), stresses continuity. The BJP’s campaign lists the welfare schemes, infrastructure projects and the steps taken to maintain social harmony. It is also using its organisational strength and connect with the grass-root to mobilise people.
Bharatiya Janata Party
Led by Manmohan Samal, the BJP is trying to dent the BJD’s hegemony in the state. Their campaign is geared towards attacking issues such as unemployment, corruption, and lack of industrial development, among others. Most of the BJP’s campaign centers around promising better governance, economic growth, and employment. The visit by high-profile persons such as the Prime Minister and other senior party members helped create awareness and woo different voter groups.
Indian National Congress
Under the leadership of Sarat Pattanayak, the INC is trying to gain lost ground in the state. Their campaign seeks to find solutions to the state problems such as farmer support, employment, and improved health services. The majority of the INC manifesto is anchored on the promise of being a better alternative to the BJD and the BJP. Key Issues and Campaign Highlights Politicians in the state focused on these issues during their campaigns because they determined the voter’s outcome. They include:
Development and infrastructure
both the BJD and the BJP campaigned fiercely in this area. BJD emphasized what it had built in terms of roads, bridges and urban infrastructure. It promised the voters to continue to transform the state to open more economic opportunities. The BJP made a broader promise that entailed more mega projects. The battle in this front was to show the public how the party could improve their lives through infrastructure development.
Agricultural distress
agriculture reigns in Odisha, and so farmer concerns shaped most of the politicians’ manifesto. Supporting farmers was the only means of winning the polls; consequently, more public schemes to the family were publicized. The INC, in particular, led on this, presenting it the champion of the agrarian cause.
High Unemployment Rates: One of the key problems in this regard is the high rate of unemployment amongst the youth. Both the BJP and INC have detailed job creation programs and skill development measures to tackle the same. While the BJD talks of its ongoing push for economic development to generate job opportunities,
Women’s safety that got a major thrust in all major manifestos with the emphasis on women voters- the initiative is around women safety, empowerment and more representation in governance. The steps to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, by enhancing healthcare services, and to build safety and security are also being taken.
Voters’ Priorities for Healthcare and Education Fix Healthcare and Improve Education The released manifesto covered measures relating to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure, access for quality education and dealing with the challenges arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. BDJ healthcare programs, like the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana have been fronted, with the BJP and INC promise new programs and reforms.
Security and Election Conduct
ELection Commission of India tightens security Arrangement to ensure peaceful election in odisha Security was beefed up around polling stations, especially in the sensitive localities. In its judgment, the bench also stressed on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems to ensure transparency and confidence among the voters. Problems like problems with EVMs, training given to polling officers were corrected to avoid inconvenience to people before voting.
Key Candidates & Constituencies
The election has a number of high-profile candidates whose electoral fortunes are followed eagerly:
Naveen Patnaik (BJD) : Sitting Chief Minister is seeking re-election from Hinjili and Kantabanji. The BJD’s poll narrative is largely around Patnaik’s leadership and developmental measures.
Dilip Tirkey (BJD): Former Indian hockey captain contesting from Sundargarh. For the BJD, his entry into politics has only extended its appeal to sports lovers and a new voter segment, the young voters.
Sangeeta Singh Deo (BJP): Exciting BJP face from Balangir She campaigns on local issues and promises to bring national levels of development to the constituency.
Aparajita Sarangi (BJP): The Bhubaneswar candidate is a former IAS Officer. Her executive background and her focus in community development in cities are two of her major selling points.
Anu Choudhury (INC), actor and INC candidate from Bhubaneswar, diverts attention to her cultural identity and local issues. More significantly for the Congress campaign, she appeals to young and urban voters.
Conclusion
Odisha Assembly Election 2024 would be a watershed moment in the history of the state. This suggests that the additions of the PNM and UNC are engaged in a seriously active electorate — high voter turnouts, heavy campaigning by both major parties. The outcome, which will come out on June 4, 2024, will be a true reflection of the wishes of the people of the country and the campaign strategy implementation by the parties.
While this election is important, given that its result will shape the future of Odisha, it is also significant because it will play a role in the broader political dynamics at the national level. The victor will have ramifications far beyond June 2022 on the direction in which the state will grow and govern over the next five years.
The hopes are high, the stakes are high as Odisha awaits the results and the political analysts and citizens of the state are closely knitting their observations as the political drama unfolds. The 2024 election is not only about the fight for power but it also represents the changing political, social, and economic conditions of Odisha. If you like reading this article then please consider reading our article about Fact.