With the Election Commission announcing July 20 as the date of polling in the Patkura Assembly segment, Odisha’s three major political parties have begun gearing their machineries for the high-voltage fight in the coastal Kendrapara district.
According to political analysts, election to the Patkura seat, currently held by the Biju Janata Dal, will be a prestige battle for the Naveen Patnaik-led party and the Opposition BJP, as both are keen on increasing their tally in the House.
While the ruling party retained its position in the recently concluded poll by winning 112 of the 146 Assembly seats, five less than what it had won in 2014, the rival BJP this time increased its tally from 10 to 23.