Another huge factor will be Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the most popular face of BJP in the state. Often labelled by the BJD as the ‘outsider’ for his Rajya Sabha nominations, he undeniably has been the face of the party in Odisha since Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Now that he has returned to direct elections in the state after 15 years and will fight from Sambalpur Parliamentary constituency, the impact of his nomination is expected to be far bigger on the party’s performance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.A substantial improvement in BJP’s fortunes, not just his win, will raise his stakes considerably in Modi Parivar and Odisha politics. He is going to be the man to watch out for.For the BJD, it will be a different story. Naveen is seeking a record-breaking sixth term as CM. Even the BJP camp would grudgingly admit that BJD has the upper hand in the Assembly elections but would it manage its proclaimed 3/4th majority? The numbers will be decisive. The BJD supremo continues to be the most popular face in the state and the party will expect his magic to work. But it is VK Pandian, Naveen’s most trusted lieutenant and man-in-charge, who is working the plans. There will be a mountain of expectations of him to take BJD to a resounding victory for the sixth time. How he handles the 2024 elections will redefine the future of BJD as well as his own standing in the regional party.Siba MohantyResident Editor, Odishasibamohanty@newindianexpress.com
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