Odisha Assembly Elections 2024: Key Candidates and Phases of Voting

The Odisha Assembly Elections of 2024 are in full swing as voters are participating in the democratic process to choose representatives for the state legislature. Led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the main contenders include the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

The prominent candidates to keep an eye on during these elections are Naveen Patnaik contesting from Hinjili and Kantabanji, Sidhant Mohapatra in Digapahandi, Dilip Kumar Ray in Rourkela, Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka in Bhubaneswar Central, and Anjani Soren in Mayurbhanj for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

The voting process is divided into phases for the convenience of conducting fair elections. Phase 1 included 28 assembly constituencies, Phase 2 involved 35 assembly constituencies, Phase 3 covered 42 assembly constituencies, and the final Phase 4 encompassed an additional 42 assembly constituencies.

Naveen Patnaik, the head of the Biju Janata Dal, has been integral to Odisha’s political landscape since 2000. Patnaik is aiming for a sixth consecutive term as Chief Minister. Sidhant Mohapatra’s recent move from the BJD to the BJP adds further intrigue to the electoral dynamics in the region.

Dilip Kumar Ray, a former Union Minister with substantial assets, is another significant figure contesting in Rourkela on the BJP ticket. The Congress party sees Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka as a key candidate in Bhubaneswar Central, while Anjani Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is making waves in Mayurbhanj.

As the voting phases progress, the people of Odisha are actively participating in shaping the future of their state through these democratic practices. The elections are crucial for determining the leadership and direction that Odisha will take in the coming years.