BJP Surges Ahead in Odisha Assembly Polls, BJD Facing Tough Competition

The ongoing counting of votes in the Odisha Assembly elections has revealed an intriguing turn of events, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surging ahead in the race. Currently leading in 74 seats, the BJP is posing a formidable challenge to the long-standing rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik‘s party, the BJD, is facing a tough competition with leads in 57 constituencies, as per the Election Commission of India.

The projections from the Axis My India exit poll had earlier hinted at a potential power shift in Odisha, with the BJP and BJD expected to secure a noteworthy number of seats. Additionally, the India Today-Axis My India exit poll suggested a significant contest between the two major parties, predicting specific seat ranges for each.

If re-elected, Naveen Patnaik, who has held the position for 24 years, could potentially break records and surpass the tenure of former Sikkim Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling. The Congress, on the other hand, is trailing behind in the Assembly polls according to initial counting data by the Election Commission of India.

Among the key constituencies where the race is intensifying are Hinjli, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is currently leading, and Kantabanji, where he is facing a significant competition from his BJP counterpart. Notably, several other prominent Ministers from the BJD are also experiencing tough contests in their respective constituencies.

The Election Commission’s data highlights the intriguing political landscape in Odisha, with the BJP making substantial gains and challenging the stronghold of the BJD. The Congress is also making marginal progress in certain seats, adding to the diverse electoral dynamics in the state.