In a significant development, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a founding member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a six-time Cuttack Lok Sabha MP, joined BJP. The move dealt a blow to the BJD, just ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Mahtab officially entered the BJP fold in a ceremony held at the party headquarters, with several senior leaders in attendance.

Mahtab, a prominent figure in Odisha politics, notably won the Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 polls, defeating the BJP's Prakash Mishra by a significant margin. His decision to switch sides has sparked speculation that he may contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from Cuttack, representing the BJP.

Mahtab, who served as a Member of Parliament for six consecutive terms, announced his resignation from the BJD, emphasising, "I sent my resignation letter to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik." His departure marks the end of an era during which he earned recognition for his exemplary performance in parliamentary debates, receiving the prestigious 'Sansad Ratna' award for four consecutive years from 2017 to 2020.

Mahtab began his political journey in 1998 when he was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Cuttack. Since then, he has been re-elected in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014, consistently representing the BJD. However, his decision to switch allegiance to the BJP indicates a broader trend, with several prominent leaders deserting the BJD in recent times.

Mahtab's switch to the BJP comes amid a string of resignations from the BJD, including figures like PP Das's close relative and actor Arindam Roy. Senior tribal leader Balabhadra Majhi also left, citing neglect, and aligned with the Congress.

The political landscape in Odisha sets the stage for an intriguing battle, with the state hosting 21 parliamentary constituencies. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJD emerged as the dominant force, securing 12 seats, closely followed by the BJP with 8 seats and the Congress with a single seat. Likewise, in the state assembly, the BJD achieved a decisive victory, capturing 113 out of 147 seats.

As the electoral landscape unfurls, Odisha prepares for elections across four phases, spanning from May 13 to June 1. The intricate schedule includes varying nomination filing dates per phase, with the final phase allowing nominations until May 14 and withdrawals by May 17.

With the political climate intensifying, the upcoming elections in Odisha are poised to shape the state's future trajectory, with each party striving for supremacy across parliamentary and assembly constituencies. As the stage is set for a gripping electoral showdown, all eyes are fixed on the unfolding developments in this pivotal battleground.

Image source: Indian Express