Orissa parties gear up for local polls

As the panchayat polls draw nearer, the war of words between the Centre and the Orissa government over several issues promises to get shriller.

The belligerent mood on both sides is evident on numerous issues, including the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh and the Orissa government’s teacher-on-call scheme.

According to political analysts, the BJP, led by two Union ministers from the state — Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram — has made it amply clear that it has shed its gloves and is now ready to join the battle with the BJD in right earnest.

It clearly sees the panchayat elections as the time to test the waters before it draws up its blueprint for the battle royale in 2019.

In a clear departure from the previous UPA government, the BJP in Orissa has been trying to ensure that the party alone takes total credit for implementation of all Central schemes and programmes.

On its part, the BJD is keen to fight every inch of the way to retain its turf. Party leaders have made it clear that the BJP’s bid to cash in on Central schemes will be opposed tooth and nail, even if it leads to a law and order situation.

“As both the BJD and the BJP fight it out in the open, the Congress has adopted a different strategy all-together. It is trying to connect with its old vote banks in different pockets by organising various rallies and meetings. Starting from malnutrition case in Nagada in Jajpur district, Dana Majhi case in Melaghara village in Kalahandi district to the killing of five tribals in security personnel firing, the party has organised protest movements at the grassroots, involving the old cadres and leaders. This will help the grand old party to regain its lost ground in the state,” said Prasanna Mohanty, a political analyst.

The Congress’ revised strategy has already helped the party win the trusts of potential dalit and tribal leaders.