Is 73 days too big a factor when it comes to deciding one’s credibility as one of the longest serving chief ministers in the history of a nation?
The answer to this question may appear irrelevant to some. However, the person in question leaves an unfathomable legacy of grit and conviction behind to ponder upon.
Former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik — he resigned today after facing defeat at the hands of the saffron party — fell short of 73 days to break the record of the longest serving chief minister of India, namely, Pawan Kumar Chamling. Served as the CM of Sikkim, Chamling was in power for 24 years and 165 days.
Patnaik, too, served the people of Odisha as the CM for 24 years. However, missed the target of breaking Chamling’s record as he was in office 73 days less from that of Chamling.
Odisha’s mandate of 2024 sent shock waves to the entire country. It not just uprooted a regional party like Biju Janata Dal but consolidated the position of Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.
It was 1997 when Patnaik returned to home state Odisha’s Cuttack from Delhi and then ruled it for over 24 years.
And in 2024, Patnaik’s invincible citadel crumbled like a pack of cards. The BJP ended the BJD’s reign by not only securing 78 of the state’s 147 assembly seats but also claiming 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats. With just 51 assembly seats and a complete wipeout in Lok Sabha polls.
This seismic shift has left many wondering— what caused this political titan to tumble?
Outsider sentiment
One of the notable reasons for the BJD’s downfall was the growing anti-outsider sentiment, particularly aimed at VK Pandian, Patnaik’s trusted aide and private secretary. Pandian, a former IAS officer, was seen as the de facto ruler. This perception of an ‘outsider’ from Tamil Nadu running the government did not sit well with the Odia populace, who began to resent Pandian’s dominance and his style of functioning. The BJP capitalised on this sentiment, portraying the BJD to be a puppet of an unelected bureaucrat.
Odia Asmita
The BJP's campaign was marked by an aggressive focus on Odia Asmita, or Odia self-identity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spearheaded an exhaustive campaign, stressing Odisha’s pride and urging voters to reclaim their state from a regime they painted as distant and disconnected. PM Modi's 10 rallies and roadshows, coupled with Shah's robust campaign trail, resonated deeply with voters, especially in regions where the BJD had historically been dominant.
Moreover, the Ratnabhandar issue, revolving around the missing key of Lord Jagannath's treasury, was another significant blow to the BJD. The BJP adeptly exploited this controversy, pitching it as a symbol of the BJD’s mismanagement and lack of respect for Odia cultural heritage.
Patnaik’s diminishing visibility
Another critical factor was Mr Patnaik's conspicuous absence from the campaign trail. Unlike previous elections, where his presence was ubiquitous, this time Patnaik was less visible. In the rallies where he actually turned up, he was always accompanied by the omnipresent Pandian.
Additionally, Patnaik’s health became a focal point, the absence of a clear heir apparent created uncertainty and diminished confidence among the electorate.
Tactical missteps
The BJD’s strategy of providing tacit support to the BJP at the national level backfired spectacularly. This cozy arrangement had initially helped the BJD but eventually blurred the lines between ally and opponent, eroding BJD’s distinct identity.
Dharmendra Pradhan's image
The BJP’s strategic focus on Western Odisha, an area often perceived as neglected, played a significant role in their victory. Pradhan, a Union Minister, camped in Sambalpur and vigorously campaigned with promises of upliftment and development for the region. His stature as a national leader provided voters a compelling alternative to Patnaik.
BJD’s overconfidence
The BJD’s claims throughout the campaigning period that Patnaik would comfortably secure a sixth term led to a sense of complacency within the BJD. This overconfidence was evident in their campaign strategy, which lacked the urgency and rigour seen in previous elections. Meanwhile, the BJP’s relentless and energised campaign capitalised on this, resulting in a decisive victory.
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