Berhampur,July 27 (UDN): The political spotlight has once again turned to Hinjili, the long-time Assembly constituency of BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, after two senior BJP leaders made high-profile appearances during the Bahuda Yatra celebrations in Ganjam district.
Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahy and Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena attended the chariot-pulling ceremony in Sheragada, arriving separately with their supporters. Their independent participation has sparked fresh political speculation over the BJP’s growing interest in consolidating its presence in one of the BJD’s strongest bastions ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.
Panigrahy reached Sheragada first and was welcomed by party workers and local residents before taking part in the Rath Yatra rituals. A few hours later, Jena arrived with another group of BJP leaders and supporters, receiving a separate reception before joining the religious festivities.
The twin appearances have generated discussion in political circles, with observers viewing the developments as a sign of the BJP’s sustained efforts to expand its organisational base in Hinjili and the wider Ganjam region.
Political analysts note that the BJP has significantly strengthened its position in Ganjam since the 2024 Assembly elections, though Hinjili continues to remain under the BJD’s influence. Panigrahy, who once served as Naveen Patnaik’s representative in the constituency and played an organisational role there, is still believed to enjoy considerable political goodwill in the area. At the same time, Minister Jena has also been actively working to strengthen the party’s grassroots network in the district.
Dismissing reports of any internal rivalry, Ghumusar BJP organisational district president Bijaya Kumar Swain said the separate visits should not be interpreted politically.
“There is no factionalism within the party. Pradeep Panigrahy arrived earlier, while Minister Bibhuti Jena came later because of his official engagements. This was a religious and cultural programme, and people are unnecessarily trying to give it a political colour,” Swain said.
Speaking after participating in the chariot pulling, Pradeep Panigrahy said he had attended the event purely as a devotee.
“The designated king and the temple committee requested me to participate in the Bahuda Yatra on the auspicious occasion of Bada Ekadashi. I have come here only to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath,” he said.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena rejected suggestions that his visit was intended as a political show of strength.
“I do not believe in power displays. I came to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath like every other devotee. Everyone has the right to participate in this sacred occasion. If someone comes with ulterior motives, Lord Jagannath does not tolerate arrogance,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal remains confident that its strong organisational base in Hinjili will withstand the BJP’s growing political outreach. With the panchayat elections on the horizon, political activity in Ganjam is expected to intensify, making Hinjili one of the key battlegrounds to watch in the months ahead.
Leave a Reply