Why Dharmendra Pradhan vs Bobby Das fight is called the mother of all contests in Odisha ?

Bhubaneswar: While, the election fever has already reached its highest temperature in Odisha, all eyes are on the Sambalpur LokSabha where union minister Dharmendra Pradhan is fighting with BJD leader Pranab Prakash ‘Bobby’ Das. But, why it is called the mother of all battles in this election season in the state ?

Pradhan currently holds the mantle as the most influential figure within the Odisha BJP. His tenure as Union minister spanning from 2014 to 2024 underscores his political stature. Elected twice to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh between April 2012 and April 2024, Pradhan’s ambition now lies in demonstrating his substantial political backing within Odisha. Winning is not only a matter of prestige but also crucial for his continuity as a Union Minister.

Bobby Das emerges as the third significant figure in BJD’s campaign narrative, prominently featured in party posters and hoardings after Naveen Patnaik and Kartik Pandian. Das is poised to undertake a feat unprecedented within the BJD, following in the footsteps of only CM Naveen Patnaik. Patnaik’s ability to secure victories from various constituencies in Odisha sets the benchmark, one that Das aims to replicate. Although he could have secured an easy win for the fourth consecutive time from his native Jajpur, Das opts for a more challenging route, confronting the formidable leader of the Odisha BJP in uncharted political territory.

SAMBALPUR: How 7 Assembly Segments Voted In 2019 ?

Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat comprises 7 Assembly segments. In 2019, BJD won 4 Assembly segments of Athamallik, Chhendipada, Rairakhol & Kuchinda. BJP won Sambalpur, Rengali & Deogarh Assembly segments. But in Lok Sabha voting in 2019, four Assembly segments of Sambalpur, Rengali, Kuchinda & Deogarh gave lead to BJP candidate Nitesh Ganga Deb.

While Sambalpur Assembly seat was won by BJP’s Jay Narayan Mishra by a margin of only 4380 votes, BJP LS candidate Nitesh Ganga Deb got a lead of 35,158 votes from Sambalpur AC. In 2019, BJP’s Nitesh Ganga Deb led by a margin of 17,673 from Rengali, 8836 votes from Kuchinda & 15,922 votes from Deogarh. Similarly, BJD LS candidate Nalini Pradhan led by 51,644 votes from Athamallik, 14,549 votes from Chhendipada & 4033 votes from Rairakhol.   In the 2019 elections, BJP secured leads in four Assembly segments, while BJD gained leads in three. Ultimately, BJP’s Nitesh Ganga Deb emerged victorious with a narrow margin of 9162 votes. The Sambalpur Assembly seat provided the maximum lead for BJP, whereas Athamallik favored BJD.

The outcome of the 2024 Sambalpur Lok Sabha election hinges significantly on the voters of Kuchinda and Deogarh. Kuchinda represents a swing seat, while Deogarh has experienced notable political shifts this time around. Nagendra Pradhan, who previously won the Sambalpur MP seat in 2014 on a BJD ticket, is now contesting on a Congress ticket. His vote share will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated contest.