BJP Wins Odisha: Who Will Be The Next Chief Minister? Candidates In Fray

The BJP is set to form the government in Odisha for the first time after crossing the majority mark in the assembly elections.

As the Election Commission data, the BJP is leading in 79 seats while the ruling BJD is reduced to 51 with the Congress winning 14 seats. The CPIM and independent candidates winning 1 and 3 seats, respectively.

This strong performance by the BJP is seen as a result of anti-incumbency sentiments against BJD leader Naveen Patnaik. Patnaik has served as the state's chief minister for 24 years.

Who Will Be The Next CM Of Odisha?

Among the BJP's prominent figures, four leaders stand out as potential chief ministerial candidates. These include former Union Minister and sitting BJP MP Jual Oram, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, BJP's national vice-president Baijayant Panda, and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan.

All four leaders are currently leading in their respective Lok Sabha seats. This opens the possibility for the BJP to choose a different candidate for the chief minister position.

Individual Leader Updates

Jual Oram is leading by a large margin in the Sundergarh Lok Sabha constituency. Despite speculation about him being a frontrunner for the chief minister's post, Oram has stated he does not aspire to be CM but will serve if assigned the role.

Baijayant Panda, BJP's national vice-president, is leading in the Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency. Panda, with a background in engineering and management, has been a four-time Member of Parliament and has ties with industry organizations.

Sambit Patra, the BJP's national spokesperson, is leading in the Puri Lok Sabha seat. A doctor by profession, Patra became the BJP's national spokesperson in 2014. He has also chaired the tourism department.

Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP leader and Cabinet Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is leading from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat. Pradhan has initiated several reforms and projects as Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

BJP's Campaign Focus

The BJP's campaign in Odisha centered on issues such as Odia self-identity and criticism of the non-Odia successor to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The campaign also focused on corruption. A significant wave of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, boosted by the construction of the Ram Temple, influenced voters both in urban and rural areas.