BERHAMPUR: The entry of Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy in BJP has muddied the political scene in the Assembly constituency putting the saffron party’s local unit in a dilemma over fielding the right candidate in the upcoming election.
Panigrahy won the last three elections in Gopalpur as a BJD candidate by defeating BJP’s Bibhuti Jena. In 2009 elections, the BJD got 42.77 per cent of the votes while Congress secured 21.44 per cent and BJP 14.91 per cent. Similarly in 2014, BJD’s vote percentage rose to 46.98 per cent. BJP too registered an increase with 29.88 per cent votes while Congress’ share reduced to 18.48 per cent.
The scenario changed in 2019 polls as vote percentage of BJD decreased to 45.69 per cent and BJP’s increased to 43.71 per cent with Congress securing a meagre 7.45 per cent. Going by the voting trends in the last two elections, BJP’s prospects seem brighter this time.
Credited for the BJP’s rising popularity in Gopalpur, Jena is hopeful to get the party ticket again in the 2024 election. But with Panigrahy entering BJP, the candidate selection is likely to be a challenge for the party.
Sources said though Panigrahy joining BJP was a foregone conclusion, it was delayed as the MLA reportedly wanted the party ticket to fight the 2024 general election. But the state BJP leadership was in a dilemma to accept his condition as BJP has strengthened its base significantly in Gopalpur.
Political observers say Panigrahy and Jena are the main contenders for the party ticket. However, the BJP may choose a new face to contest from Gopalpur to avoid discontentment within the party.
On the other hand, the BJD has indicated that Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda will be its candidate in Gopalpur. Panda is spending much of his time in Gopalpur meeting voters of the Assembly segment. The Congress too is trying hard to regain its lost base.
Gopalpur Assembly constituency comprises Gopalpur NAC, ward no 25 to 27 of Berhampur Municipal Corporation, Rangailunda block and four gram panchayats of Kukudakhandi.