BJP's Historic Win: A New Era in Odisha Politics

In 2024, the BJP ended Naveen Patnaik's 25-year rule in Odisha, winning 78 assembly seats and bringing Mohan Charan Majhi to power. Patnaik's BJD faced its first major electoral defeat, losing Lok Sabha representation. The BJP's focus on 'Odia Asmita' and strategic campaigning led to the shift.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ended the formidable 25-year reign of the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha. The BJP, with its first victory in the state, secured 78 seats in the 147-member assembly while the BJD was reduced to 51 seats down from 113 in 2019.

In a strategic move, the BJP campaigned vigorously on the theme of 'Odia Asmita', challenging the perceptions of BJD as being influenced by outsiders. This, along with Naveen Patnaik's first election defeat and a perceived negative campaign by the BJP, contributed to a political reshuffle in the state.

Under the new leadership of Mohan Charan Majhi, the BJP government has taken swift action on promises, including initiatives around the Jagannath temple and women's financial aid. However, controversies like police misconduct and a cyclone challenge continue to test the state's governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)