The political landscape in Odisha appears to be warming up with veteran leaders coming together and holding deliberations. Following certain recent developments, observers wonder whether all these activities will give rise to the birth of a new regional political party in the state. Talks of the possibility of a new regional outfit have gathered momentum after several former leaders of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) met at Olasuni in Jajpur district in the name of a get-together. The gathering ignited fresh political speculation. Described as a friendly reunion by some senior leaders, the meeting the groundwork for the formation of a new political front is stated to have been laid at the meeting, challenging both BJD and BJP in the state. While BJD is struggling with internal turmoil after being ousted from power, BJP has not done anything spectacular during its more than one-year rule. Although Congress is trying hard, there is no hope of sudden rejuvenation. Under the circumstances, there is an opportunity for a new party in the state and the recent activities of senior leaders assumes significance.
Alternative equation from Jajpur!
Once considered a stronghold of BJD, Olasuni recently witnessed the gathering of former leaders of the regional party. A discreet yet high-profile meeting of several veteran leaders has created a stir in the state’s political turf, raising questions about potential new political alignments. The event, held under the pretext of a casual ‘friendship meeting’, is being closely watched amid talks of formation of a new regional front. The gathering was hosted by senior leader Pravat Tripathy and saw the presence of political heavyweights like Amar Satpathy, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Prasanna Patasani, Rabi Narayan Pani, and Ramachandra Hansda. Although there is no clear information about what transpired at the meeting, there is talk that the foundation has been laid for the formation of a new regional party. Earlier also, several senior leaders, including Bijoy Mohapatra and Rabi Narayan Pani, had come together on one platform. Now, the friendship meeting has added steam to the speculations.
Why talks of a new regional party?
The remarkable success that BJD has achieved as a regional party has not been experienced by any other political outfit in the state. There is talk that some senior leaders who played a key role during the formation of BJD may prepare a roadmap for the creation of a new regional party. It is said that these leaders, who have distanced themselves from BJD at different times for different reasons, are trying to form an alternative regional party. Disgruntled leaders are being brought together as part of the exercise. It is said that about 30 former MLAs and MPs are supporting them. There is talk of some senior BJD MLAs also giving secret support. Another meeting may be held next month. It is believed that plans are afoot to form the proposed party by next year and contest the next panchayat and urban local bodies elections.
What does the political climate say?
It is believed that the political climate in the state is now favourable for regional parties. After being in power for 24 years, the BJD has faced a major electoral debacle. After its defeat in the last elections, internal strife in the party has come to the fore. For the first time since the party was formed, BJD is in the news for internal strife. Similarly, though BJP came to power in the state for the first time, it has not been able to perform in an impressive way in the last year. There is dissatisfaction within the party there too. After Bhakta Charan Das became the PCC president, Congress became organised but the party still not in a position to give a formidable challenge. As the three major political parties in the state continue to struggle, a new regional party could become an alternative for many.
Odisha’s main opposition party BJD is not raising its voice against the Centre in Delhi. BJD has adopted a soft approach on various issues. Although the Congress is raising its voice, it is numerically not strong enough. As a result, issues relating to Odisha cannot be presented in Delhi in a proper way. Therefore, there is an opportunity for an alternative regional party in the state. And taking advantage of this, different forces are coming together. This regional party will only become the voice of Odisha by joining hands with any national party. It is said that steps have been initiated to fill the vacuum created by BJD in the state.