Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: The year 2026 is set to be politically decisive for Odisha, with the state’s three key parties -- the BJP, BJD, and Congress-- bracing for a series of electoral and organisational challenges. With Rajya Sabha elections due in March and panchayat and municipal polls slated for later in the year, the political atmosphere is expected to intensify as parties recalibrate their strategies and prepare for crucial tests of strength. BJP’s Test of Strength For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the immediate challenge will be to secure three of the four Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in March. The panchayat and municipal elections scheduled towards the end of the year will further measure the party’s organisational depth and grassroots popularity. Contests in Sambalpur, Rourkela, and the newly formed Puri Municipal Corporation are expected to serve as litmus tests for the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government as well as party president Manmohan Samal. Ensuring coordination between the government and the party organisation during preparations will be critical for its performance. BJD’s Leadership Question The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) faces the pressing issue of succession and leadership clarity. Identifying a second line of leadership and determining BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s successor remain the party’s biggest challenges. Any uncertainty in Patnaik’s decisions during the Rajya Sabha elections could trigger internal divisions. Preventing factionalism and maintaining unity ahead of the panchayat and municipal polls will be vital for the BJD to retain its main opposition in the state politics. Congress Faces Internal Strife The Congress continues to grapple with factional disputes and organisational instability. OPCC president Bhakta Das may face difficulties in securing his position amid growing dissent from senior leaders. Reconciling internal differences and sustaining relevance in Odisha’s political landscape will be the party’s toughest challenge in 2026. Possibility of New Equations Beyond the established parties, the possibility of new political equations and even the emergence of new parties cannot be ruled out. For the people of Odisha, however, the key concern remains whether their everyday issues will receive priority amid the fierce contest for power.