BJD’s first list for Lok Sabha, Assembly elections sets up high profile battles in Odisha

BJD announces high-profile candidates for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, setting the stage for intense political contests.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, revealing high profile political contests ahead.

The BJD has announced candidates for nine out 21 Lok Sabha seats, and 72 out 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.

Pranab Prakash Das, the BJD’s organisational secretary, the second-most influential position in the party after the president, is the BJD’s candidate for the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP had earlier fielded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as its candidate for the same seat. With Mr. Pradhan returning to contest direct elections in Odisha after a 15-year hiatus, he is likely to face formidable opposition, especially since the regional party has elevated the stakes by nominating Mr. Das, turning the contest into a matter of prestige.

At present, the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat is held by the BJP but the sitting MP Nitish Gangadeb has drawn flak for reported non-performance. Sambalpur is a BJP stronghold. Of the seven Assembly seats falling under the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, in 2019, the BJP had won three seats — Sambalpur, Rengali, and Deogarh.

Mr. Pradhan had previously represented the erstwhile Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency from 2004 to 2009. Mr. Das, on the other hand, hails from Jajpur district, and does not have experience in fighting a direct election from Sambalpur and Deogarh districts.

Political observers here hold the view that the BJD will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that its organisational superiority gives Mr. Pradhan a run for his money.