Image of BJD and BJP workers is used for representational purposes only. (Photos | EPS)
Jeypore: Swimming against the tide, the BJP has emerged as a powerful force in Koraput to change the political dynamics and challenge the status quo in the region.
Historically, the BJP has struggled to establish vote banks in Koraput due to lack of strong leadership and organizational activities. However, the tide began to turn with the Modi wave during the 2019 elections, as BJP candidates improved vote share across the region.
This time, the BJP’s preliminary work well before the elections has expanded the party’s reach to the grassroots level, especially in tribal areas. Frequent visits by central ministers and frequent meetings have strengthened the party’s image, posing a threat to its opponents.
The growing influence of the Modi factor, especially after the dedication of the Ram Lalla temple and anti-incumbency sentiments against the ruling BJP, have boosted the BJP’s prospects in many areas of the region.
Unlike the previous elections, where the BJP was a minimal threat, the party’s candidates are now on par with their BJP and Congress rivals in all five Assembly constituencies in Koraput district, political analysts believe.
In 2019, the party’s candidate in Koraput AC Tripurari Garada polled 33,994 votes (24.83 percent). Similarly, Kotbad candidate Khajeshwar Pujari polled 35,366 votes (21.08 percent), while in Potangi AC, BJP candidate Ram Chandra Pangi polled 25,956 votes (17.8 percent). In Lakshmipur and Jaipur, BJP candidates performed equally well, improving their tally.
Pollsters expect there to be a significant increase in BJP votes, much higher than in 2019. BJP candidates in Koraput district include Raghuram Macha for Koraput, Gautam Samantray for Jeypore, Kailash Kulisika for Lakshmipur and Chaitanya Nandipally for Potangi, and Robu Bhatra for the Bharatiya Janata Party. cutpad.