BJP's Odisha Election Campaign Hit By Sambit Patra's Controversial Remarks

The BJP is entering the Odisha elections with high hopes. Several polls predict a good showing for the party. However, a statement by BJP leader Sambit Patra has caused a stir. This has put him and the party in a difficult position.

Patra, known for his TV appearances, contested from the Puri Lok Sabha seat in 2019. He lost to BJD's Pinaki Mishra by 13,278 votes. The BJD won 5,38,321 votes, while Patra received 5,26,607 votes. Despite this loss, the BJP has fielded him again.

Since the 2019 election, Patra has focused on Puri. He has distanced himself from national politics and devoted himself to Jagannath Puri. The party believes his connection with Puri might help him win this time.

The BJP has not won in Puri since 1998. The seat was traditionally held by Congress until 1996. Since 1998, the BJD has remained undefeated in Puri.

This time, the BJD has fielded former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik from Puri. The Congress has given the ticket to Jay Narayan Patnaik.

The election in Puri is on Saturday, May 25. Until now, Patra was considered the strongest candidate for this seat. Prime Minister Modi's roadshow had also created a positive atmosphere for the BJP.

However, Sambit Patra's comments have created difficulties for the BJP. He admitted on Twitter that he made a mistake by saying "PM Modi is an ardent 'Bhakt' of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu". This statement has caused backlash from the opposition.

The ruling BJD and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have been very aggressive about this issue. As a result, Patra has been forced to apologize and do penance.