Alliance Talks In Odisha: Uphill Task For Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka To Retain Koraput

Bhubaneswar: With Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly trying to firm up an alliance for the upcoming polls in Odisha, tribal-dominated Koraput Lok Sabah constituency is all set to witness an interesting battle this time.

Though sitting Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka defeated heavyweights in his maiden electoral battle in Koraput Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 elections, it may turn out to be an uphill task for him to retain the politically-important seat in the 2024 polls.

As Odisha braces up for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, it will be a major challenge for Saptagiri Koraput if BJD and BJP forge an electoral alliance.

A traditional Congress bastion for decades, Koraput remained a pocket borough of the grand old party from 1957 to 2009. However, the constituency slipped out of Congress hand in 2009 when BJD candidate Jayram Pangi won the seat. BJD retained the seat in 2014 with its candidate Jhina Hikaka tasting victory.

However, Congress wrested the Koraput Lok Sabha seat as its candidate Saptagiri defeated BJD nominee Kaushalya Hikaka while making his electoral debut in 2019 elections. Son of Congress leader late Ramachandra Ulaka, the sitting Koraput MP’s performance has also been quite impressive in the last five years.

Apart from raising issues relating to his constituency in Parliament, Saptagiri has maintained good rapport with top national and state party leaders. Koraput Lok Sabha constituency includes Gunupur, Rayagada & Bissam Cuttack of Rayagada district and Pottangi, Koraput, Lakshmipur and Jeypore in Koraput district. In 2019 elections, Saptagiri had polled maximum votes in Rayagada, Gunupur, Jeypore and Lakshmipur.

Congress heavyweight and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, who played a major role in bringing victory for Saptagiri, is likely to help him this time also despite talks about differences between them. Taking all aspects into consideration, Congress is expected to re-nominate Saptagiri this time.

However, the political equations have undergone considerable change since 2019 with influential tribal leader Pradeep Majhi quitting Congress and joining the ruling BJD. The constituency, which has over 52 per cent tribal voters, is likely to witness a keen contest in the Lok Sabha polls.