Bhubaneswar, May 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its intention to elevate 'Odia Asmita' (Odia pride) as a cornerstone of its campaign.
"This election is about fighting for Odia Asmita (Odia pride)…Once BJP forms the government in the state, we will work to protect and preserve the culture and identity of the state," emphasized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, underlining the party's commitment to the cause.
. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview, highlighted the precarious state of Odia Asmita, expressing concern over attempts to undermine the language and cultural heritage of the state.
Echoing this sentiment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda, in their respective rallies, emphasized the significance of Odia language and culture, while accusing the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government of neglecting its duty to preserve Odia Asmita.
In a pointed jab, Nadda insinuated the potential appointment of an 'outsider' as Patnaik's successor, questioning the dearth of local leadership within the state. These assertions have intensified the political rhetoric in Odisha, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle.
"I believe we are going to win all 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha on May 6. Modi will campaign in every phase of elections in the state," revealed Pradhan, exuding confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects.
While refraining from direct mentions, BJP leaders hinted at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's purported inability to fluently speak the Odia language without relying on prepared scripts. Additionally, the BJP has raised concerns about the influence of non-Odia officials in the state administration, alleging a disconnect between the government and the people it serves.
Responding to the BJP's narrative, the BJD issued a statement reaffirming the resilience of Odia culture against political exploitation. "For thousands of years, proud Odias have always protected the Odia culture very fiercely. Odia Culture does not need a political party like Odisha BJP to protect it," the statement read, asserting the indomitable spirit of Odisha's cultural heritage.
As the election fervor grips Odisha, the battle lines are drawn, with the BJP championing the cause of 'Odia Asmita' in a bid to wrest power from the incumbent BJD government. Whether this narrative resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the pursuit of Odia pride will be a defining feature of the electoral discourse in the state.
