Lok Sabha

1. Odisha is preparing for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in four phases, with vote counting on June 4.
2. With 21 Lok Sabha seats, the state holds significant importance in India’s electoral dynamics.
3. Political parties engage in intense competition for representation in Odisha’s parliamentary constituencies.

Bhubaneswar, March 26: Odisha is gearing up for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in four phases, with the counting of votes set for June 4.

With 21 Lok Sabha seats, the state plays a crucial role in the electoral landscape of India, witnessing fierce competition among political parties.

Phases of Election

  • Phase 1: Polling for 28 Assembly seats and 4 Lok Sabha constituencies will occur on May 13.
  • Phase 2: On May 20, voting will take place for 35 Assembly seats and 5 Lok Sabha constituencies.
  • Phase 3: May 25 will see voting for 42 Assembly segments and 6 Lok Sabha seats.
  • Phase 4: The remaining 42 Assembly seats and 6 Lok Sabha constituencies will undergo voting on June 1.

Previous Election Scenario

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) emerged victorious on 12 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 8 seats, and the Congress managed to win one seat. Discussions for a pre-poll alliance between BJP and BJD did not materialize, leading to each party contesting independently.

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Major Lok Sabha Seats to Watch

Puri

  • Current Situation: BJD stronghold represented by Pinaki Misra since 2009.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Sambit Patra, awaiting candidates from BJD and Congress.

Sambalpur

  • Current Situation: Witnessed a close fight between BJP and BJD in 2019.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Dharmendra Pradhan against rivals from BJD and Congress.

Kendrapara

  • Current Situation: Formerly a BJD stronghold, won by BJP’s Baijayant Panda in 2014, regained by BJD in 2019.
  • Contestants: Baijayant Panda representing BJP, competitors from BJD yet to be declared.

Koraput

  • Current Situation: Historically held by Congress, won by BJD in 2014 and 2019.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Kaliram Majhi competes with candidates from BJD and Congress.

As the election season unfolds, Odisha braces for intense campaigning and electoral battles in key constituencies.

With each major party vying for supremacy, the outcomes in Puri, Sambalpur, Kendrapara, and Koraput will be closely watched, shaping the political landscape of the state.