BJP Poised to Win Odisha Assembly Elections 2024, Naveen Patnaik Trailing in Kantabanji

The Odisha Assembly elections results for 2024 reveal a potential major shift in power dynamics, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the front-runner to form the government in the state for the first time. Current Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is facing tough competition, notably trailing in the Kantabanji constituency.

As the counting progresses, the BJP has secured a substantial lead in 76 seats, surpassing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with 53 seats and the Congress with 16 leading seats. Key constituencies where the BJP is making headway include Bargarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Puri, Sambalpur, and Keonjhar.

The electoral battle in Odisha has intensified, with several constituencies witnessing close contests. The Congress is making inroads in areas like Bolangir, Bhawaipatna, Malkhangiri, Pottangi, Mohana, and Gunupur, adding to the political intrigue.

Manmohan Samal, the BJP’s state unit chief, emphasized the importance of a ‘double engine government’ for accelerating state development, highlighting the need for effective implementation of central welfare schemes in Odisha. At the same time, BJP’s aggressive stance against the ruling BJD has set the stage for a closely contested election.

The exit polls by India Today-Axis My India predict a fierce battle between the BJD and BJP, projecting both parties to secure between 62 and 80 seats in the 147-member assembly. The Lok Sabha elections in Odisha also reflect a significant shift, with BJP expected to clinch 18 to 20 seats, while BJD may only manage 0 to 2 seats.