Odisha Politics / BJP MP Pradeep Panigrahi’s Rath Yatra Role Stirs Ganjam Politics

Brahmapur, Jul 21: The political equation in Odisha’s Ganjam district appears to be shifting, with signs of discontent within the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and rising popularity of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The recent Rath Yatra celebrations in Hinjili area have added fuel to the debate, as BJP MP Pradeep Panigrahi’s participation alongside several BJD leaders sparked speculation about realignments.

Panigrahi, once a close associate of BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, performed the ceremonial cherapanhara at Sheragada’s Alarigada Rath Yatra, drawing attention as several BJD leaders joined him. His presence, accompanied by local BJD leaders including youth wing president Santosh Patnaik, has intensified chatter about cracks within the BJD. This unusual alignment has sparked speculation about shifting loyalties within the district.

Hinjili, long considered Patnaik’s stronghold, has become a focal point of debate. In the 2024 elections, Patnaik managed to retain the seat by a narrow margin of 4,606 votes, even as BJP captured 11 of 13 Assembly constituencies in Ganjam. Since then, Patnaik has not visited his constituency, a fact increasingly noted by voters who question his absence.

Meanwhile, BJD’s organisational strength in the district appears weakened. Senior leaders such as Bikram Arukh, Latika Pradhan, and Chau Patnaik are reportedly distancing themselves from the party, while district president Bikram Panda remains in jail. Internal rifts between leaders and grassroots workers have further complicated matters.
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BJP leaders, including Shishir Mishra, claim the party is gaining ground in Hinjili, with several panchayat representatives and grassroots members joining their ranks. The optics of Panigrahi’s Rath Yatra role, alongside BJD leaders, have added to the perception of BJP’s growing influence in the region.

With panchayat and municipal elections approaching, the contest in Ganjam is expected to intensify. The key question remains whether BJD can regroup in Patnaik’s home turf or whether BJP will continue to expand its footprint in the district.