Odisha Assembly Elections 2024: Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sixth Term as CM Amidst Voter Turnout Reports

The ongoing Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 have witnessed a high level of voter engagement with a turnout of 63.46% reported by 8 pm. The state, consisting of 147 assembly seats, is a battleground for key political entities like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress party.

Incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has held power for more than two decades, is vying for a historic sixth term as Chief Minister. Patnaik is contesting from both the Hinjili and Kantabanji constituencies, intensifying the electoral landscape in the state.

Sidhant Mohapatra, a recent defector from BJD to BJP, is a prominent candidate contesting from Digapahandi constituency, bringing a new dynamic to the political scenario. Another notable figure, Dilip Kumar Ray, a former Union Minister and the wealthiest candidate in the elections with assets worth Rs 313.53 crore, is in the fray from the Rourkela segment.

In the Congress camp, Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka stands as a formidable candidate from the Bhubaneswar Central constituency, representing the party’s aspirations in the polls. Anjani Soren from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, contesting from Mayurbhanj, is part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), hinting at alliance play in the election outcomes.

As the Election Commission of India observes the voting process meticulously, the Odisha Assembly Elections reflect a significant juncture in the state’s political narrative. The voters’ turnout reports signal active participation in the democratization process, underscoring the importance of each vote cast.