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The political landscape of Odisha is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Congress party attempting to reassert its presence and challenge the dominance of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s recent claim that his party has become the main opposition in Odisha, based on a traffic advisory issued ahead of a Congress protest, underscores the party's ambition. However, a deeper examination reveals a more nuanced reality. While the Congress has shown signs of increased activity and visibility, it faces considerable organizational and financial hurdles that must be overcome if it is to truly reclaim its lost ground. The article meticulously analyzes the current situation, weighing the Congress's recent efforts against its inherent weaknesses and the evolving dynamics of Odisha politics. The Congress's strategy revolves around highlighting issues of public concern, particularly the rising crime rate against women, and mobilizing its cadre to engage in protests and demonstrations. The ongoing Budget session in the Odisha Legislative Assembly has provided a platform for Congress MLAs to raise these issues, even resorting to unconventional methods such as beating gongs and cymbals and dressing in black to amplify their protest. These actions, coupled with aggressive sound-bytes from party leaders, including the newly appointed Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das, are aimed at capturing public attention and portraying the Congress as a vocal and active opposition force. Mr. Das's strategy of showcasing a united front by bringing in all senior leaders to face the media is also a crucial aspect of the party's efforts to project an image of cohesion and strength. The OPCC President's emphasis on the alarming rise in cases of missing women and children, as well as crimes against women, highlights the Congress's attempt to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current BJP government. The statistics cited by Mr. Das, such as the surge in missing persons and reported cases of gang rape, are intended to underscore the urgency and severity of the issue, thereby galvanizing public support for the Congress's cause. However, the Congress's efforts are hampered by significant organizational weaknesses. The OPCC was dissolved following last year's electoral debacle, and the president's post remained vacant for several months until Mr. Das's appointment. The reconstitution of district and block units is still pending, and the party's financial resources are reportedly insufficient to sustain its public outreach. Furthermore, the Congress's presence is largely limited to the southern districts, with the party remaining a marginal force in coastal and western Odisha. These organizational and financial constraints pose a significant challenge to the Congress's ability to effectively compete with the BJP and the BJD.
Despite these challenges, political observers believe that the Congress has chosen the right moment to assert itself. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is relatively inexperienced, and the BJD, now the principal opposition with 51 seats, finds itself in unfamiliar territory. The BJD's dominance for over two decades was largely attributed to the towering presence of Naveen Patnaik and, later, his trusted aide V.K. Pandian. Mr. Patnaik's governance style, which allowed him to operate behind closed doors, is no longer viable in the opposition. The second-rung leadership, sidelined for years, cannot be expected to gain acceptance overnight. Mr. Patnaik's absence from public platforms further weakens the BJD's organizational strength, making it evident that the party is not at its best. This perceived weakness in the BJD presents an opportunity for the Congress to fill the void and re-establish itself as a formidable player in Odisha politics. The Congress aims to identify emerging faces in various districts based on their active participation in protests and demonstrations. Mr. Das's plan to undertake a 3,000-km padayatra after the party's grassroots structure is in place is a significant step towards energizing party workers and connecting with the public at the grassroots level. While Jairam Ramesh's assertion that the Congress could emerge as the main opposition in Odisha may be premature, a well-coordinated effort with the right messaging could indeed set the stage for its revival in the State. The Congress needs to address its organizational weaknesses, strengthen its financial resources, and develop a clear and compelling narrative that resonates with the people of Odisha. It must also capitalize on the BJP government's inexperience and the BJD's vulnerabilities. The success of the Congress's revival efforts will depend on its ability to effectively navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. The party's recent protests and demonstrations are a step in the right direction, but they must be followed by sustained and strategic action. The Congress must also focus on building strong local leadership and empowering its cadre at the grassroots level. Only then can it hope to regain its lost ground and become a significant force in Odisha politics once again.
The future of the Congress party in Odisha hinges on its ability to capitalize on the current political climate and address its internal weaknesses. The party has shown a renewed sense of purpose and determination, but it must translate this energy into tangible results. The reconstitution of district and block units is crucial for strengthening the party's organizational structure and expanding its reach across the state. The party must also develop a sustainable financial model to support its public outreach and campaign efforts. The Congress's success will also depend on its ability to forge alliances and partnerships with other political parties. The party must be willing to work with like-minded organizations to achieve its goals and address the challenges facing the state. The Congress must also focus on developing a clear and compelling vision for Odisha's future. The party must articulate its policies and programs in a way that resonates with the people of Odisha and addresses their concerns. The party must also be willing to listen to the voices of the people and incorporate their feedback into its policies and programs. The Congress faces a tough road ahead, but it has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of Odisha. The party must seize the opportunities that lie ahead and work tirelessly to regain the trust and confidence of the people. The Congress's revival is not just important for the party itself, but also for the health of Odisha's democracy. A strong and vibrant opposition is essential for holding the government accountable and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. The Congress has the potential to be that voice, but it must first overcome its internal challenges and demonstrate its commitment to serving the people of Odisha. The coming months will be crucial for the Congress as it seeks to solidify its position and prepare for the next elections. The party must use this time wisely to strengthen its organization, develop its policies, and connect with the people of Odisha. The future of the Congress in Odisha is uncertain, but the party has the potential to rise again and become a major force in the state's political landscape.
Source: Odisha politics: Congress mobilising strength to position itself on equal footing with BJP, BJD