Bhubaneswar: The first phase of elections in Odisha is done and dusted. A total of four Lok Sabha constituencies – Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput – and 28 Assembly segments went to the polls in the first phase May 13. The second phase will be conducted May 20. Even though the electoral fight is limited to three parties – namely the BJD, the BJP and the Congress in Odisha, there are many Independent candidates that may act as spoilsport. These candidates may not emerge victorious, but may garner enough votes to upset the applecart of the favourite from a particular constituency, analysts have pointed out.
Among these lesser-known candidates are tea stall owners, farmers, plumbers and a lawyer. They lack the resources, but are trying to make a statement fighting the might of highly resourceful candidates from the BJD, the BJP and the Congress. They feel that if they manage to win, then some of the renowned parties may induct them and they can become a part of mainstream politics. This apart there are some senior leaders of the ‘Big Three’ who have missed out on nomination.
Many of them have thrown their hats into the fray as Independents. Among them are Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Anubhav Patnaik, Kharbela Swain, Sanjib Biswal and Premananda Nayak. Since all have their own band of loyal supporters, they have the potential to turn into giant-killers. Soumya Ranjan has filed his nomination from the Ghasipura Assembly segment. Similarly, Anubhav is contesting from Khandapada, Sanjib from Erasema-Balikuda and Kharbela from the Balasore Assembly segment. The ruling BJD has managed to control rebel candidates by offering them plum posts in the party. However, the Congress and the BJP have not been so lucky.
Many of their party members have turned rebels and have decided to contest as Independents after being denied nomination. Political analyst Sudarshan Chhotoray said that in at least 30 Assembly constituencies Independent candidates may act as spoilsports for heavyweights of different political parties. “Leaders who are popular and concerned with problems of the people can always contest elections without banking on support from any political party,” said Prabhukalyan Mohapatra, a senior political expert. “They can have an impact if there is a hung Assembly. Then all political parties will look to them for their support,” he added.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP