The Himalayan Blunder: An analysis of the elections in Odisha

Elections are decisive for democratising democracies. Elections in India offer many new elements, positive and negative that need to be analysed from a democratic perspective so that a narrative can be built for the development of an inclusive democracy. Election to both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in Odisha this time is unique in many ways. It explains the existential crisis of a regional party. The significance of inner party democracy, over bureaucratisation, question of Odia identity, over dependence on ruling party at the centre, diluting its own ideological base are some of the major factors that led to the poll debacle of Biju Janata Dal in Odisha which was otherwise a strong party with a strong social base just before the elections. The changes in the mood of the voters in the state for a change were so swift that it appeared to be unexpected for many observers. But though one single factor, that is the apprehension among the people that a non-odia bureaucrat will take the reins of power from Naveen Patnaik, was considered by many as the cause of the poll debacle of the BJD but a host of factors are responsible. All these are significant for regionalism, secularism and federalism in India. The paper makes an in-depth analysis of the causes of the defeat of BJD in recent elections in Odisha and its lessons.