Summary:
It is the opposition that is panicking.n On BJP’s good show in the 2017 panchayat electionsThe BJP has misinterpreted the panchayat verdict. n On Naveen’s decision to contest from western OdishaIt is simply due to the love and affection of the people of western Odisha. There is a strong tide in favour of the Naveen Patnaik government for the initiatives it has taken for social welfare. In the three-tier elections, it did well at the zilla parishad level but most of the sarpanches and panchayat samiti representatives are from BJD. The BJD’s position remains comfortable because of Naveen’s popularity.n On the chance of a triangular contest among BJD, BJP and CongressMy own assessment is that the situation will be somewhat different from that in 2014..