Bhubaneswar: The festive atmosphere of Durga Puja took on a distinctly political flavor this year in Odisha as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of the Opposition, former CM Naveen Patnaik, engaged in a subtle show of strength while visiting various puja mandaps across Bhubaneswar. What began as a series of religious visits to honor the Goddess Durga quickly turned into a political spectacle, with both the ruling BJP and opposition BJD trading barbs over leadership and popularity.
Chief Minister Majhi, in an apparent display of political outreach, visited nine prominent puja pandals in the capital city on the auspicious occasion of Mahasthami. He started his tour at the Patnasahi mandap in the historic Old Town and continued to Sundarpada, Baramunda, and Nayapalli, offering prayers and wishing the people of Odisha peace and prosperity. His visits drew large crowds, underscoring his administration's efforts to stay connected with the public during this cultural moment.
Not to be outdone, Naveen Patnaik, Odisha’s longest-serving former chief minister, made his own round of puja visits. Accompanied by party leaders and followers, Patnaik visited the Rasulgarh, Badagada, and Sahid Nagar puja mandaps, receiving a warm reception from his loyal supporters.
Bhubaneswar Mayor and prominent BJD leader Sulochana Das seized the opportunity to highlight Patnaik's mass appeal.
"Even after leaving Office of the Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik continues to captivate the hearts of the people. His fan base is growing stronger, and people still look to him as their leader. He may no longer be in power, but in the eyes of the people, Naveen remains their chief minister," Das remarked, emphasizing Patnaik’s what she described “unmatched connection” with the public.
The BJP, however, was quick to counter. Senior BJP leader and law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan dismissed Patnaik’s puja visits as an attempt to imitate CM Majhi’s outreach.
“Naveen never visited puja mandaps in his 24 years as CM, nor did he participate in Ravana Podi. Now, suddenly, he is making rounds, as though an election is imminent. This is a time for devotion, not political competition,” Harichandan stated, accusing Patnaik of engaging in political theatrics.
The visits by both leaders have ignited a fresh political debate in Odisha, where religion and politics have often intersected.
As Durga Puja festivities continue, the political rivalry between CM Majhi and ex-CM Patnaik only seems to be heating up, with each leader vying for the public’s attention and support.
While the battle lines between BJP and BJD sharpen, one thing is clear—both leaders are keenly aware that the road to Odisha’s political future may run through its cultural heritage.
