Congress to Expand Southern Odisha Strategy Across State

Bhubaneswar: The Congress has decided to replicate its successful election strategy from southern Odisha in other parts of the state to strengthen its position ahead of future electoral battles. The decision was taken during an internal meeting following the appointment of Ajay Kumar Lallu as the new All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Odisha and Bhakta Charan Das as the state Congress president.

A senior Congress leader stated that the party’s performance in southern Odisha during the 2024 elections was a key takeaway, prompting leaders to adopt similar tactics statewide. Congress secured 14 assembly seats and won the Koraput Lok Sabha constituency, with 10 of the MLAs and the MP belonging to the southern region, which remains a traditional stronghold for the party in Odisha.

During the review meeting, leaders analyzed factors that contributed to the party’s success in the region, including grassroots outreach, tribal and rural voter mobilization, and strategic alliances. Congress aims to implement a similar voter engagement model across central and coastal Odisha, where its electoral performance has been inconsistent in recent years.

“The results in southern Odisha have given the party renewed confidence. We will now take these winning strategies to other regions to revive our presence and expand our support base,” said a senior Congress leader.

The party is expected to focus on strengthening its cadre, addressing local issues, and intensifying its campaign efforts in key constituencies to regain lost ground in Odisha’s political landscape.