Jharsuguda, Odisha – With the upcoming bypoll in Jharsuguda, political parties have set their sights on the tribal and Agharia communities, both of which hold significant sway in the constituency. The three main parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and the Congress – are all vying for the support of these communities as they look to gain an edge in the bypoll.
The BJP, which won the Jharsuguda seat in the 2019 assembly elections, is looking to repeat its success. The party is hoping to attract the support of the tribal community, which makes up around 45% of the constituency’s population. The BJP has been highlighting its efforts to promote tribal welfare, including the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the launch of schemes for the development of tribal areas.
The BJD, which lost the seat in 2019, is also eyeing the tribal vote. The party has been highlighting its efforts to improve healthcare and education in the constituency, particularly in the tribal areas. The BJD is also looking to attract the support of the Agharia community, which makes up around 10% of the population.
Meanwhile, the Congress is hoping to make a comeback in Jharsuguda after a poor showing in the 2019 elections. The party is also focusing on the tribal and Agharia communities, and has promised to work towards their welfare if elected. The Congress has been critical of the BJP’s record in the constituency, particularly on issues of healthcare and education.
The Jharsuguda bypoll was necessitated after the death of BJP MLA Naba Kishore Das in September 2021. The bypoll is scheduled to take place on May 16, with the results to be declared on May 19. The outcome of the bypoll will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2024 assembly elections.