Initial Counting Trends Hints Big Gains for BJP in Twin Elections in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Initial trends after the start of the counting of votes in Odisha have hinted at BJP making major gains in its votes and seats in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

As per the initial trends as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, out of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, the BJP is leading on 17 seats, while the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress are ahead in two seats each.

BJP’s Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, party spokesperson Sambit Patra, national Vice President Baijayant Panda, ex-Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi, and Aparajita Sarangi are leading from Sambalpur, Puri, Kendrapara, Balasore. and Bhubaneswar, respectively.

The early trends for the Assembly elections to 147 seats the opposition BJP is leading in 57 seats, followed by the BJD in 38, and the Congress in 6.

While CM Patnaik is leading in both Hinjili and Kantabanji Assembly constituencies while several of his cabinet colleagues are trailing. Former Ministers like Tukuni Sahoo and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak is trailing in Titlagarh, while Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak is behind are training behind the BJP candidates in Titlagarh and Mahakalpada respectively.

The BJP won just 8 Lok Sabha and 23 Assembly seats in Odisha in 2019.