Odisha Elections 2024: Why BJD Is Delaying Balasore Lok Sabha Nominee?

Bhubaneswar: As the twin elections in Odisha fast approaching, all eyes are set on Balasore Lok Sabha constituency where the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is delaying announcement of its candidate. The Naveen Patnaik-led party has already named its candidates for 20 of the 21 Parliamentary seats in the state.

The regional party appears to be cautiously examining the potentials of probable nominees before taking a final decision on its pick in the coastal Lok Sabha constituency. No one is sure whether the ruling party will re-nominate Rabindra Kumar Jena or bring a new face to surprise all this time. Speculations are also rife in some circles that the regional party may field a woman candidate to take on Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) sitting MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi.

As the suspense continues in Balasore, ticket aspirants appear to be spending sleepless nights. The delay on the part of BJD in announcing its candidate also seems to be giving anxious moments to the supporters of aspiring candidates. However, political observers are of the opinion that Rabindra Jena is well ahead in the race for BJD ticket. Though Rabindra was defeated by Pratap Sarangi by around 13,000 voted in Balasore Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 elections, the regional outfit seems to be thinking in terms of putting its stamp of approval on his candidature this time too. In 2014 polls, Rabindra had won the Parliamentary seat with an impressive show.

However, BJD’s one-family-one-ticket rule may pose an obstacle as Rabindra’s wife Subasini has already been fielded by the ruling BJD from Basta Assembly constituency. Therefore, Rabindra may be ruled out if BJD sticks to the rule rigidly.

However, observers cite that the regional party appears to have made relaxation in the one-family-one-ticket rule in some cases and it may not be a problem for Rabindra to get BJD ticket. Apart from Rabindra, Simulia MLA and former Minister Jyoti Panigrahi’s name is also doing the rounds for Lok Sabha ticket. Panigrahi has the experience of having handled important departments as a Minister and he cannot be ruled out outright.

Similarly, Nilagiri MLA Sukanta Kumar Nayak’s name has also been included in the list of probable candidates after his return to the BJD fold recently. Some are of the view that the ruling party may also play the woman card in Balsore. BJD had fielded women candidates in one third of the Lok Sabha seats in the state in the last elections. BJD has so far nominated six women candidates for Lok Sabha polls this time.

Therefore, the party may surprise all by fielding a woman candidate for Balasore seat. Many feel that the possibility of Subasini Jena getting nominated as BJD’s Lok Sabha candidate cannot be ruled out.

Apart from the ruling party, Congress is yet to announce its candidate for Balasore Lok Sabha seat. Speculations are rife that Congress heavyweight Niranjan Patnaiik’s son Nabajyoti Patnaik may join BJD and get Lok Sabha ticket from Balasore. Observers point out that former Union Minister Srikant Jena, who was elected from Balasore Lok Sabha constituency in 2009, is among the main contenders of Congress ticket for the seat.

While BJP will leave no stone unturned to retain the politically important Lok Sabha seat, BJD is all set to make a tactical move in its bid to capture the constituency.