BJP’s roadmap for Odisha similar to its multi-pronged UP strategy

Bhubaneswar, April 15
BJP’s strategy for Odisha, a state where it has never been in a commanding position despite being a part of the ruling coalition, appears to be quite similar to the successful plan drawn for Uttar Pradesh.

Notably, even while the BJP painted the country saffron in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Odisha was among the few states that seemed untouched by the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giving the BJP just one out of 21 seats and leaving the rest to Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
But much seems to have changed since then, especially if the results of the local bodies elections here are any indication. Riding high on UP’s success, the multi-pronged strategy the party has formulated for Odisha seems to have many similarities with it.
The plan includes micro-management till booth-level and building on people’s fascination for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As it sets out to project the PM who alone can turn around the fortunes of the state, the BJP is also conducting a detailed analysis of each and every Assembly seat in the state, the caste combinations and factors.
Significantly, running alongside is the plan to woo “strong and clean leaders” from rivals Biju Janata Dal and the Congress, those who have now started sensing a better future with the saffron outfit after UP.
Interestingly, even from the state’s politics point of view also, Odisha has a few similarities with UP that make it a fit case to become the “new laboratory” for the BJP.
As BJP sets out to promote Prime Minister’s pro-poor schemes, cashing on his popularity amongst the people, it is also keeping a close eye on the internal rife, the domestic problems of chief rival -the ruling BJD.
The BJD and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not just suffering from a massive anti-incumbency almost two decades but also problems prevalent in parties controlled by a single family or one leader. This has given the BJP an extra reason to smile, like in UP where the Samajwadi Party’s internal rife worked to its benefit.
Though any major defections are unlikely right now, sources say half-way through the Assembly and the Lok Sabha term is the correct time for the BJP’s show of strength in the state, a reason why each and every Assembly is being analaysed, to check weaknesses and gaps.
The twin strategy of building and strengthening the party in Odisha also includes analysis of all the 147 seats. Sources say results of the local bodies are being translated in terms of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats.
Though the leadership is also taking stock of other poll-bound states, including an analysis of the 125 seats it lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha, the main focus is Bhubaneswar and Odisha — the gateway to West Bengal and the Coromandel region.
“Amit Shah wants BJP to emerge as major force here. The PM’s roadshow and show of strength will not just boost the morale of cadres in Odisha but the entire Eastern region. It will also affect cadres of rivals and fence-sitters who are yet to make up their mind,” party leaders say.