Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to launch the party’s Jana Sampark Yatra today, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. This annual outreach march will start in Bhubaneswar’s Ekamra constituency and continue until October 6. The Jana Sampark Yatra, a key element of BJD’s grassroots engagement, is designed to connect with the public and address pressing issues, with this year’s focus being the alleged failures of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during its 100-day governance at the national level.
BJD’s Legacy of Public Campaigns
BJD has a history of conducting impactful campaigns, which have bolstered its popularity and connection with the people of Odisha. The party, founded by Naveen Patnaik in 1997 in honor of his father, the legendary leader Biju Patnaik, has consistently focused on grassroots mobilization. Previous campaigns such as the Mo Parivar initiative and Odisha Mo Parivar have emphasized social welfare, health services, and disaster management.
These campaigns have helped the party maintain strong electoral support, especially in rural areas. The Jana Sampark Yatra is an extension of this legacy, aiming to reinforce the party’s connection with the public while addressing current political challenges.
Targeting BJP’s Failures
The central message of this year’s Jana Sampark Yatra is to highlight what BJD sees as the failure of the BJP’s central government within its first 100 days in office. The BJD leadership, through public meetings and marches, plans to make the people aware of the alleged shortcomings and broken promises of the BJP, with a particular focus on the impact these failures have had on Odisha.
Patnaik has instructed BJD MLAs, MPs, and district leaders to organize Jana Sampark Yatra marches across the state, ensuring widespread reach. The second phase of the march will run from October 21 to 30, continuing the party’s efforts to raise awareness among the people.
Expanding Membership
In addition to the Jana Sampark Yatra, BJD is set to kick off its membership campaign on October 9, with a goal of recruiting over one million new members. The campaign will last for two months, with a focus on engaging youth and students. A committee led by former minister Atanu Sabyasachi Naik will oversee the membership drive, ensuring that it reaches from the ward level to the panchayats and constituencies.
Through these efforts, BJD aims to strengthen its grassroots network, expand its membership base, and counter the influence of BJP in the state. As the political landscape in Odisha intensifies, Naveen Patnaik’s leadership in these campaigns is critical to maintaining BJD’s dominance in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
