In a historic political shift, Odisha witnessed a change in governance for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the 2024 state and parliamentary elections. The once-unassailable Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by the five-time Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, faced its first-ever electoral defeat, marking the end of a 25-year era.

The BJP emerged victorious, forming its first government in the coastal state. Riding on anti-incumbency sentiment and a wave of support for its leadership, the party secured a majority in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, reducing the BJD’s strength from 113 seats in 2019 to just 51. The BJP also delivered a crushing blow in the Lok Sabha elections, winning all 21 constituencies, leaving the BJD without representation at the national level.

In a dramatic turn of events, Patnaik himself suffered a rare personal defeat in the Kantabanji constituency, where BJP’s Laxman Bag defeated him by a margin of over 16,000 votes. The veteran leader, however, managed to retain the Hinjili assembly seat, albeit by a slender margin of around 4,000 votes.

Reasons Behind the Political Shift

Analysts point to growing dissatisfaction among the electorate over issues such as unemployment, alleged corruption, and stagnation in the state’s development as significant factors behind the regime change. The BJP capitalized on this discontent with promises of economic growth, industrial investment, and job creation.

The election campaign also saw an aggressive push from BJP’s central leadership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah holding multiple rallies in key constituencies. The saffron party’s ability to connect with younger voters, coupled with strategic alliances and a strong grassroots campaign, proved instrumental in its success.

Naveen Patnaik’s Legacy

Naveen Patnaik, who first came to power in 2000, had been the face of stability and development in Odisha. His government was credited with disaster management reforms, infrastructure projects, and social welfare programs. However, his inability to address emerging challenges and adapt to changing political dynamics seemed to have eroded his once-strong support base.

What Lies Ahead

The BJP now faces the enormous task of governing a state that has long been synonymous with Patnaik’s leadership. Expectations are high, with voters demanding swift action on key promises, particularly in employment generation, industrialization, and infrastructure development.

For the BJD, the 2024 election marks a moment of reckoning. The party will need to regroup, rebuild, and reinvent itself to remain relevant in Odisha’s political landscape.

As Odisha turns the page on a historic chapter, the state’s future under the BJP’s leadership will be closely watched by both its citizens and the rest of the nation.