Bhubaneswar: With major political parties gearing up for the upcoming elections in Odisha, the silk city of Berhampur is all set to witness an intense battle for the Lok Sabha polls. While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already announced Pradeep Panigrahi as its candidate for the seat, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is yet to name its nominee.
Leaders and workers of the regional party as well as voters in the politically significant Parliamentary constituency appear to be eagerly waiting for announcement of BJD candidate for the seat. It is still unclear whether the Naveen Patnaik-led party will repeat Chandrasekhar Sahu to take on Pradeep or make Manas Mangaraj a surprise candidate. The names of Ramesh Chandra Chyaupatnaik and cine-star Siddhant Mahapatra are also not ruled out for the Lok Sabha seat.
Political configurations in Ganjam appear to have turned extremely complex following party hopping by leaders, rebellion by some sections and discontent among workers. Personal vendetta seems to have replaced serious political battle in Berhampur this time. BJP is stated to have made a smart move by fielding Pradeep though suspense persists as to who from BJD will take on the saffron candidate.
Veteran leader Surjya Narayan Patro’s demise and Pradeep’s presence in the poll fray appear to be giving sleepless nights to the BJD leadership. The ruling party is apparently finding it tough to identify a seasoned leader from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency except Ramesh Chandra Chyayupatnaik. Therefore, the regional party is seriously exploring different options. Though sitting MP Chandrasekhar Sahu can be considered for re-nomination, the party is not sure about his potential to effectively take on Pradeep.
Names of probable candidates for Berhampur are being discussed and examined by the ruling party. Speculations are rife that Rajya Sabha MP Manas Mangaraj may be fielded for the seat. Similarly, the name of Berhampur Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei is also doing the rounds. However, the regional party will nominate an experienced leader to give an effective fight to an aggressive Pradeep.
Once considered a close confidant of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradeep appears to have emerged a major challenge before the ruling BJD in the run up to the elections. He was the operational head of BJD organisation in Ganjam district. He played a key role in chalking out strategies, distribution of tickets and other activities of BJD for over two decades. Pradeep is well aware of the ruling party’s weaknesses and changing equations in the area. After joining BJP, he is now working hard to rope in disgruntled elements in BJD. Former Khallikote MLA has already quit BJD and joined BJP ahead of the elections. Similarly, rebel leader from Digapahandi Bipin Pradhan is also being roped in.
While Pradeep’s entry is going to have far-reaching impact on political scenario across Ganjam, senior BJP leaders and workers appear to be unhappy over the importance being given by the saffron party to the new entrant. Therefore, both BJD and BJP will have to handle disgruntled elements in their respective organisations in the south Odisha district. The battle for BJP may not be as smooth as it appears to be.
Of the seven Assembly segments under Berhampur Lok Sabha constituencies, BJD is now representing Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Digapahandi and Chikiti, while Mohana is with Congress and BJP had won Paralakhemundi seat in 2019. BJD has been winning from Berhampur since 2009 elections. However, it may turn out to be an uphill task for the ruling BJD to retain the Lok Sabha seat and search is still on for a suitable candidate capable of putting a formidable challenge to Pradeep Panigrahi.
