April 29th 2024.
Bhawanipatna was once known for its severe drought and starvation-related deaths back in the 1980s. It was a time of great struggle for the people of the Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency in western Odisha. However, things have taken a turn for the better since then, with all political parties taking credit for the region's development.
One of the main reasons for this transformation is the implementation of the Indravati Irrigation project and the Revised Long-Term Action Plan. These initiatives have had a significant impact on the region, leading to its improved state.
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the BJD, BJP, and Congress are all promising further development for the area if their candidate is elected. However, in light of the fact that Kalahandi has had a new MP in each of the last three parliamentary polls, all three parties have chosen fresh faces as their candidates.
In the 2009 general elections, Bhakta Charan Das of Congress was elected from the Kalahandi seat. This was followed by Arka Keshari Deo of BJD in 2014 and Basant Kumar Panda of BJP in 2019. This time, the BJD has nominated Lambodar Nial, the BJP has named Malavika Keshari Deo, a member of the Kalahandi royal family, and the Congress has put forward tribal community member Droupadi Majhi as their candidate for the seat.
The changes in Kalahandi are clear for all to see - an airstrip, a medical college, a university, and many other projects have contributed to its transformation. What was once known as a hunger zone is now a major rice-producing region, second only to Bargarh in terms of food security in the state. BJD leader Sujeet Kumar proudly claims that this is all thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, whose vision has truly changed the face of Kalahandi.
While campaigning for BJD's Kalahandi Lok Sabha candidate, Lambodar Nial, senior party leader V K Pandian emphasized the chief minister's role in this transformation. He stated, "As the head of the family, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken care of all of you. He has implemented schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, improved schools and hospitals, and carried out other development projects in Kalahandi."
Pandian also highlighted the special place the adivasis hold in Patnaik's heart, pointing out the chief minister's efforts in withdrawing 50,000 cases against tribals, improving their places of worship, and undertaking other development initiatives in tribal areas. He urged the people of Kalahandi to vote for the conch symbol, the representation of Biju Janata Dal.
Nial, who comes from the OBC community, is confident about his chances of winning. He believes that the development achievements of the chief minister and his government will work in his favor. Nial also acknowledges the popularity of the state's health scheme among the poor people of Kalahandi, which he believes will contribute to his victory.
The BJP, too, is taking credit for the transformation of Kalahandi. Sitting MP Basant Kumar Panda claims that during his tenure, important projects worth Rs 3,000 crore have been completed. He mentions the development of national highways and railway projects, including the Junagarh-Nabarangpur rail line, under the Junagarh-Bhadrachalam new line project. According to Panda, the NDA government has also improved teleconnectivity in the region, making the people of Kalahandi very happy.
The BJP has chosen Malavika Keshari Deo as their candidate, given the special influence the Kalahandi royal family holds over the voters. Members of the royal family have been elected to the Lok Sabha nine times since 1952. Malavika's grandfather-in-law, Pratap Keshari Deo, was elected five times in a row, while her father-in-law, B K Deo, was elected thrice. Her husband, Arka Keshari Deo, also won the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 as a BJD candidate. Malavika is confident about retaining her family's seat, stating that the people of Kalahandi have accepted her and showered her with blessings, indicating her clear victory in the upcoming elections.
Despite being new to the electoral battle, Malavika's family wields significant influence in Kalahandi politics, according to political analyst Ajay Mishra. On the other hand, Congress candidate Draupadi Majhi has a different perspective. A tribal leader who began her political journey as a village sarpanch and later became a zilla parishad member, Majhi is confident about winning the polls. She accuses both the BJD and the BJP of betraying the people in the name of development and claims that only the Congress has fought for the rights of tribals, Dalits, and the poor. She believes that this time, the people will bless her and her party.
Majhi also mentions the special bond that the tribal people of Kalahandi share with the Gandhi family and predicts that they will choose the hand symbol over others. Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven assembly segments, including Nuapada and Khariar in Nuapada district, Lanjigarth, Junagarh, Dharamgarh, Bhawanipatna, and Narla in Kalahandi district. The seat is set to go to the polls on May 13 during the fourth phase of elections.
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