In tandem with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Odisha also held its Assembly elections, resulting in a significant setback for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a party that had reigned over the states politics for nearly 25 years. The BJD not only lost control of the state government but also saw its leader, incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, lose his seat. Patnaik, who had served as Odishas Chief Minister for 24 years, held the record for being the longest-serving Chief Minister of the coastal state. Since being elected as a member of the 11th Lok Sabha in a 1998 by-election from the Aska parliamentary constituency, Patnaik had never faced electoral defeat until this election.Surprising Outcome from KantabanjiThe Odisha Assembly election results were closely watched, particularly in the Kantabanji constituency. The counting process extended over 28 rounds, and late on June 4, a surprising result emerged. Naveen Patnaik, who had never faced defeat in his illustrious political career, was handed his first loss by BJPs Laxman Baag. Remarkably, Laxman was a daily wage labourer just 15 years ago.Laxman Baags Victory: More Than Just LuckLaxman Baag received 90,878 votes, while Patnaik secured 74,532 votes, resulting in a victory margin of 16,344 votes. Given Patnaiks influence, this defeat and its margin were unthinkable. According to a report by The Hindu, Baags victory was not merely a matter of luck. Over the years, he consistently assisted those in need in the Kantabanji constituency, which played a crucial role in his impressive win. Born into a poor farmer family, Baag struggled to make ends meet.Political Maturity DisplayedBaag took his first step into politics in the 2014 Assembly elections, finishing in third place. In the 2019 elections, he narrowly lost by just 128 votes. Even before Patnaiks candidacy was announced, Baag, the BJP candidate, had already undertaken extensive groundwork and visited almost every village, which benefitted him. At 48, Baags victory was more than just an electoral upset. He robustly debated the ineffectiveness of the employment generation programs implemented by the BJD government. Patnaiks candidacy from Kantabanji further highlighted the issue of labor migration. Despite holding two public meetings during his campaign, Patnaik failed to convince voters of his plans to address the plight of migrant laborers.Labor Market of KantabanjiKantabanji is known as a labor market where brick kiln owners employ workers at relatively low wages. The constituency, which includes Turekela, Muribahal, and Bangomunda blocks in Balangir district, is home to thousands of families who migrate to southern states every year to work under harsh conditions. The region has previously made headlines for unfortunate reasons such as starvation deaths and child trafficking. Political discourse in Kantabanji has traditionally revolved around labor issues, with influential intermediaries often playing a crucial role in electoral outcomes.
