The electioneering is gaining momentum with every passing day as the date of the twin election (Lok Sabha and Assembly) in the State is approaching fast. The State is going to witness a dual fight mostly between BJP and BJD in both Assembly and Parliamentary elections this time as Congress is grappling with several issues in Odisha. As the campaigning heat up, candidates of three major parties are adopting unique strategies to garner public support. The BJP which had stolen the show in western Odisha in the last Lok Sabha polls, has eyed a massive mandate this time while BJD is in the race to break its record.
In the ‘Leaders Speak’ series of Ommcom News, a popular tribal leader and household name in the tribal-based regions especially south Odisha, Pradeep Majhi, explained his vision, agenda and wishes for Nabarangpur Lok Sabha segment from where he is contesting this time on BJD ticket.
In a telephonic conversation with the Editor-In-Chief of Ommcom News, Jajati Karan, the former MP elaborated on the challenges, and difficulties he is facing and his strategies to overcome them in the ensuing election.
Q- How difficult is the election this time for you to win as you switched from Congress to BJD?
Ans– I don’t see any challenges or difficulties. Because, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) adopted demand-based programmes and accepted the application from the people directly from their villages and fulfilled their demands, which acted as the biggest weapon for the party candidates now. People realised that BJD fulfilled the aspirations and expectations that it promised. When we descended on the ground, we also observed that people are coming in favour of BJD candidates spontaneously.
Q-As BJP is claiming a massive victory this time in the election for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making whirlwind tour to the State. Do you think that it will have any under current in Odisha?
Ans- As the topmost figure of the government the Prime Minister is coming, it will have an impact in the State to some extent. However, the major disadvantage of the BJP in Odisha is the poor organisational base in rural areas, which was clearly visible during the panchayat election. More than 90 % seats were captured by the BJD. They (BJP) also failed to revive their party structure post panchayat polls. Now, they are creating a hype all of a sudden inviting the PM and other central leaders. This will not yield fruits in Odisha.
Q- Do you think Ram Mandir would act as an X-factor for BJP to win the election?
Ans– Yes… to some extent. But, it will fail to convert into votes and make BJP win. A very negligible percentage of people has been influenced by the Ram Mandir issue.
Q- If I will ask you to give three reasons for which people of Nabarangpur will vote for you, what would be that?
Ans-I have been in politics for a long time and I am a well-known person in rural areas. Besides, I have a personal organisation. Now that organisation became stronger after I joined the BJD. Thirdly, various welfare programmes of the State government will help me win this election.
Q- What three major changes would you like to bring for the Nabarangpur constituency if you are voted to power?
Ans- It is a nice question. We are working mainly in Malkangiri and Nabarangpur regions. We will focus on rail connectivity to Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. Secondly, we will provide irrigation to the farmers as our soil is most fertile and Nabarangpur is an agriculture-dominated district. Thirdly, we will set up agro-industries in our areas so that local youths would get employment in their native place. We are focussing on these three major issues –‘ Jal, Kal and Rela (water, industries and railways).
Q- What is your assessment for BJD in this election? How many Lok Sabha seats would BJD win this time?
Ans- BJD will win so many seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Because I have worked in 23 tribal dominated districts as an advisor of Special Development Council and met different tribes. I observed that tribals have a great support for BJD. The party will surely win 18-19 Lok Sabha seats this time especially the tribal dominates segments.
Q- The BJP had performed better in western Odisha in 2019. It has claimed to repeat that trend in this election. What would you say on that?
Ans- They have used their full force in the western belt this time also. But, they will fail to achieve the desired goal as they have only the Modi factor to seek votes. They have utterly failed to fulfil people’s aspirations. They cheated people by hiking the prices of petrol- diesel, essential commodities and cooking gas. So, people are fed up with them over several such issues. Except Ram Mandir and Modi factor, the BJP can’t influence people with any other issues. They can hardly garner 2-3 per cent votes out of it, not more than that.
