As Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hit the campaign trail for urban local body elections in Koraput region after wooing other parts of the State, his partymen must have felt embarrassed on Wednesday. Naveen’s meetings, that normally draw substantial crowds in this tribal region, saw only a few to hear him.
Both the public meetings in Koraput district, in fact, drew lukewarm response. A lot of preparations had been made for the Chief Minster’s campaign meetings in Koraput and Kotpad, but not many people turned up to attend them. However, it was business as usual for Naveen and he focused on development works being undertaken by the State Government for the last 14 years. He urged people to vote for the BJD candidates in the ensuing polls. He also addressed a third rally at Malkangiri, trying to woo the tribals.
With the D-day drawing nearer, the BJD has stepped up its campaign with ministers speeding around making rallies.
Campaigning is also hotting up in North Odisha.
The BJP has begun its extensive campaigning in Balasore district and nearby areas. Several party leaders, including Manmohan Samal and Samir Dey, are addressing the rallies.
The Congress, which had been moving slowly so far, has geared up with Union minister Srikanta Jena, PCC president Jaydev Jena and a host of other leaders campaigning.