Bijepur has been a centre of political experiment and attraction after the death of Congress MLA Subal Sahu in 2017. A fort of Congress turned into a playground for BJD now. For the students of politics indeed a case study that politics is a dynamic institution.
Before discussing the present election lets go the backdrop a bit to study the strategy of BJD. After the death of Congress MLA Subal Sahu his wife Rita Sahu was fielded as the BJD candidate in the by-election and it was nothing but a turnout of sympathy votes that favour the BJD candidate. And another noticeable thing happened is Congress declined to 3rd sport and BJP inclined to 2nd spot.
But in recently concluded general election CM Naveen Patnaik fielded himself from Bijepur as well as from Hinjili. It surprised many but it is a strategy to hold on the seat by the ruling BJD. BJD was failing to capture Bijepur only because of internal conflicts between aspirants. And this time too, numbers of aspirants were many for Bijepur seat from BJD and the sympathy for Rita Sahu had already faded. Kindly note that heavyweight leader like Prasanna Acharya was defeated from this constituency. And BJP was looking to give a tough contest that’s why CM fielded himself. And up to certain level the conflict was diffused temporarily.
But the opponent BJP did not fight well. Naveen did three rallies in the three blocks of the constituency where as Dharmendra Pradhan did only one meeting at Bijepur. Effort from the party was lacking to counter Naveen in campaigning. No central level leader turnout to campaign for the BJP candidate. The result will be declared on 23rd but it seems it will go to the account of BJD.
Saket Sreebhushan Sahu comments on politics and culture