Naveen Aims to Push BJP to Third Place in By-Election
By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: After spending more than a month in New Delhi, former Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik has finally returned to Odisha, sparking intense political discussion across the state. Naveen had left for Delhi on September 7 for what was described as a period of “complete rest.” However, his 34-day stay outside Odisha, the longest since he entered politics, has raised eyebrows about the timing and motive of his return.
Political circles in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are abuzz with speculation that Naveen’s return marks the beginning of a renewed political strategy aimed at regaining lost ground after BJD’s defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections. The upcoming Nuapada by-election appears to be at the heart of this strategy.
According to sources within the BJD, Naveen is taking the Nuapada bypoll very seriously. This election is not just about winning a seat; it is about sending a message. After losing power, Naveen reportedly wants to ensure that the BJP finishes third in this by-election, regardless of whether the BJD wins or loses.
Insiders claim that Naveen is likely to personally campaign in Nuapada to lead the campaign and re-energise the BJD cadre. The goal is clear: to prove that the “Naveen wave” in Odisha is far from over. This move has already caused unease within BJP ranks, as a poor performance in the by-election could have serious consequences for Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
If the BJP slips to third place, political observers believe it could trigger an internal crisis in the ruling party and even threaten Majhi’s position as Chief Minister. Anticipating this, the Mohan Majhi government has already begun a series of administrative and political exercises to consolidate its support in Nuapada, from launching new welfare schemes to holding back-to-back public events.
Meanwhile, the by-election has taken another dramatic turn with the entry of Jay Dholakia, son of the late BJD leader Rajendra Dholakia. Jay’s political alignment has become a topic of speculation. Contrary to expectations that he would contest on a BJD ticket, reports suggest he may join the BJP and contest from the ruling party’s side. Sources indicate that Jay has already met senior BJP central leaders and might formally join the party soon.
If Jay Dholakia indeed contests from the BJP, it could ironically create a sympathy wave for the BJD, since his father was a respected BJD figure in the region. Many local voters may perceive Jay’s defection as opportunistic. Moreover, internal resentment within the BJP could deepen several hopefuls within the party, who were eyeing the ticket, may end up working against their own candidate.
In that case, Naveen Patnaik’s direct involvement in the campaign could decisively tilt the balance. Political analysts believe that if Naveen steps into the Nuapada battleground, the entire political equation may change overnight.
For now, Odisha politics is heating up once again, and the stage seems set for another high-voltage battle between Naveen’s comeback mission and Mohan Majhi’s fight for political survival.
