Former Tripura CM Strategizes with Odisha BJP to Boost Vote Share

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the eastern state of Odisha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has engaged former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in a series of discussions aimed at enhancing the party's vote share in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The closed-door meeting, which took place in Odisha on Saturday, saw Deb collaborating with local BJP leaders to refine their electoral strategies.

This initiative comes in the wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's observations that the BJP had significantly increased its vote share in Tripura, leading to a victorious election outcome. Deb, who now serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, has been roped in by the Odisha BJP for his expertise and is expected to remain in the state for a month to oversee the election preparations.

During a recent gathering, Shah highlighted the BJP's growing influence in Odisha, citing a vote share of 32% in the 2019 assembly elections and 38% in the Lok Sabha polls. He expressed confidence in further increasing this share, suggesting the possibility of forming the government in Odisha. To achieve this objective, the Odisha BJP is considering seeking advice from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, under whose leadership the party also saw an improved vote share and governance success.

A senior party leader mentioned that consultations with chief ministers from other BJP-ruled states and strategists might be on the cards to ensure victory in Odisha. In addition to these efforts, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is set to boost the campaign by participating in a roadshow for BJP nominee Pradip Purohit from the Bargarh Lok Sabha constituency. Sai's involvement underscores the importance placed on Odisha by the BJP as it aims to replicate its success stories from other states.

The strategic consultations and high-profile campaign activities signal the BJP's intent to expand its footprint in Odisha by leveraging the expertise of its seasoned leaders and capitalizing on its previous electoral successes. With an eye on increasing its vote share and potentially forming the government, the party is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the upcoming elections.