Seat-Sharing Discord Threatens BJD-BJP Alliance in Odisha Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
Bhubaneswar: As the prospect of an alliance between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looms large in Odisha, the intricacies of seat-sharing agreements, particularly concerning certain Lok Sabha constituencies, have emerged as a stumbling block, delaying the formal announcement of their partnership. The clash primarily revolves around the allocation of seats, with both parties striving to maintain their electoral dominance and territorial influence.
The BJD, eager to uphold its stronghold in the Odisha Assembly, is vying for control over all 112 seats it secured in the 2019 elections, leaving a contested 35 seats for the BJP. However, the BJP is pushing for a larger share, advocating for control over 48 seats. Additionally, discord arises concerning the allocation of Lok Sabha seats, with the BJP demanding 14 out of the 21 seats in the state, while the BJD is willing to concede only 10.
Sources reveal that the contention intensifies over six specific Lok Sabha constituencies: Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Koraput, Bhubaneswar, Nabarangpur, and Kendrapada. The BJP, aiming to maintain its grip on seven out of the eight seats it won in 2019, emphasizes the significance of these constituencies. Conversely, the BJD is adamant about retaining control over strategic constituencies like Cuttack, Aska, Berhampur, and others to consolidate its influence.
The significance of certain constituencies amplifies the intensity of the dispute. For instance, Bhadrak, represented by the BJP’s state president Manmohan Samal, holds symbolic value for the party due to its recent electoral triumph in the Dhamnagar by-election. Similarly, Dhenkanal, where Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan seeks influence, emerges as a point of contention between the parties.
Kendrapada, currently represented by BJD’s Baijayant Panda, and Bhubaneswar, held by BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi, also feature prominently in the tug-of-war. The BJD aims to retain these constituencies, while the BJP eyes them as potential gains. Furthermore, the parties exchange claims over other constituencies based on factors such as incumbency, organizational strength, and political dynamics.
The historical context of the BJD-BJP alliance adds complexity to the negotiation process. The parties had previously collaborated for over a decade, contesting several elections together. However, the political landscape has evolved since then, with both parties recalibrating their strategies to suit their electoral aspirations.
For the BJP, consolidating alliances with regional parties like the BJD is crucial in its pursuit of a formidable electoral coalition for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Moreover, the party’s ambitious target of securing 400 plus seats necessitates a robust presence in states like Odisha.
