Odisha Puja Pandal Politics: CM Mohan Majhi, LoP Naveen Patnaik Engage In Shadow Fight Over Popularity

Bhubaneswar: Mahasthami on Friday assumed political overtones with both Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Leader of opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik going pandal hopping in Bhubaneswar to pay obeisance to the Goddess.

This is being seen as an apparent bid by both the CM and LoP to maximise their outreach efforts during the puja season, especially with an eye on the youth. Naveen, who is perceived to be reluctant in visiting crowded areas, has become quite active politically after losing the 2024 twin polls. He visited certain Ganesha Puja mandaps in September. The BJD too seemingly attempting to put its best forward after the electoral reversal by ensuring more public appearances for Naveen, who continues to be the tallest leader of the party as well as the state.

The party leaders had earlier attributed the election debacle to Naveen’s absence from campaign.

Majhi, on the other hand, has been making efforts to establish his leadership within BJP and in the state after unexpectedly being chosen by his party as the Chief Minister in June. He has been projecting himself as the people’s CM, who speaks their language and ready to hear their grievances while upholding Odia Asmita as the BJP government’s cardinal principle in serving the state.

On Thursday, BJP MLA from Ekamra Babu Singh had informed the media about the CM’s desire to visit the puja pandals in twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Accordingly, he went hopping from Patna Sahi Puja pandal in Old Town area to Baramunda Nayapalli, Rasulgarh, Saheed Nagar, Bomikhal, Laxmi Sagar, Station Square and Badagada.

“Today is the Ashtami of Maa Durga. On this auspicious occasion, I got the great fortune to take the blessings of Maa Durga. A new government has been formed and with the blessings of Maa, I have been given the responsibility of the Chief Minister. Today, on this auspicious occasion, I prayed to Maa that people get happiness, peace and prosperity. The mission of new Odisha set by the new government… there will be transformation all around,” the CM told reporters.

Naveen also sought the blessings of Maa Durga at various puja mandaps, including Rasulgarh, Saheed Nagar and Badagada.

Highlighting the LoP’s mass apeal, Bhubaneswar Mayor and BJD leader Sulochana Das claimed that there were stampedes during his visit to various puja pandals. “Naveen still resides in the hearts of the people. His fan base has not waned a wee bit. Rather it’s on the rise. He may not be in power but people continue to look at him as their leader and the CM. His craze will never wane,” she said.

Law Minister and senior BJP leader Prithiviraj Harichandan, however, accused BJD of indulging in political one-upmanship. “The gentleman (Naveen) never visited any puja pandal in the last 24 years. He was even reluctant to participate in Rabana Podi. He just followed suit after CM Mohan Majhi visited various puja pandals. There is no place for politics in devotion. He is making overtures as if the elections are round the corner,” he said.

The CM will be visiting Cuttack on Mahanavami on October 12, before heading for Keonjhar on October 13 to celebrate Durga Puja in his home district.