Samikhsya Bureau
A walk down the outskirts of capital city Bhubaneswar and areas adjoining reveals that this election in Odisha, as may be anywhere else, may spring surprises for all the warring political combinations in the country.
For any political analyst, this time, it is bit difficult to associate himself or herself with so many ambiguities that the political parties are likely to confront.
One thing is clear that somewhere there is an undercurrent in favour of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in many parts of the country although it is difficult to say something in terms of region specific.
The spread of the issues like nationalism, patriotism and commitment to end terrorism are good but, whether such issues can really sieve down to the common psyche is difficult to say. This election was, in fact, purported to be fought on the popular plank of development or issues those are intricately linked to livelihood and social safety.
An overtime engagement of the top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders with Odisha reveal that, the fight between Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Narendra Modi has indeed boiled down to become one of the most focussed states after Uttar Pradesh. Whether it is Modi or Amit Shah, Odisha still remains one of the most favourite destinations and not a single week passes when one of the duo is not in Odisha.
Now the major question before the people is what would they buy. Issues related to them or filibustering on issues like Pulwama or Balakot that the Prime Minister has been trying to play to the gallery . If that really sells then Modi has a reason to smile, whether it is Odisha or elsewhere.
It is hard to believe why a man in the extreme interiors of Odisha will sentimentally associate himself with the issues like patriotism or Pulwama which the NDA has been trying to be its copy-right . Or it will buy more common issues like employment, health, education, agriculture that is so dear to the common man. If the above issue really remains paramount for the voter then there can be a situation in Odisha when Naveen Patnaik may have a reason to rejoice.
In this battle between Modi and Patnaik, if both the above issues go parallel then it can lead to be a terrible mix-up here and nationally also. Perhaps, sensing this well ahead of time, Patnaik has already made it straight that, whichever party forms government at the centre, BJD will support if it priories’ Odisha in its scheme of things.
What could be an worrying cause for the saffron is the over-self-assertive posturing by Narendra Modi who at many occasions indulges in self-eulogising rather than taking the team with. Whether it is ‘phir ek bar Modi sarkar( once again Modi government) or ‘aap k ek ek vote Modi ki khate mein jaiga’ (your each vote will go to Modi’s account), such hyperboles had backfired in the last five assembly polls .
