The two main opposition parties – BJP and Congress – have sought to convert the assembly by-polls in Balasore Sadar and Tirtol into a virtual referendum on the performance of the Naveen Patnaik government. These by-elections being the first test of popularity for major political parties since the general elections held last year, there is an attempt by the Opposition to try and gain an upper hand in the contest by projecting the government in a negative light. The government is being accused of making false promises and neglecting the poor.
The Opposition’s campaign has, however, failed to cut ice with the politically conscious voters of these two coastal constituencies which have seen a lot of development during the past 20 years of Naveen Patnaik’s rule. Both Balasore Sadar and Tirtol have undergone a lot of positive changes during this period, with tremendous improvement in the field of infrastructure such as roads. While transport and communication facilities in these areas have become far better compared to the past, there has been progress on the agriculture front as well.
The most significant achievement of the government has been its success in delivering the benefits of its pro-poor schemes to the people of Balasore and Tirtol, where the level of poverty has been reduced drastically because of such initiatives. While all the below poverty line (BPL) households in these constituencies have been reaping the benefits of the government’s cheap rice scheme, Aahar centres in the urban areas have been providing meals to the poor and the destitute for just Rs 5.
People have been getting old-age pensions and other kinds of government assistance, which has helped improve their living standards. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the government’s generosity have been women who are being helped in numerous ways. While there is a scheme to take care of pregnant women, they are also being empowered through income-generating activities through self-help groups supported by the government. This has made them self-reliant and helped restore their confidence in their own abilities.
People have also appreciated the efforts of the government in containing the spread of COVID-19, with the number of positive cases coming down drastically. The casualty rate is also declining now, which proves that the government has been able to bring the situation under control. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has himself set an example in this regard by taking due safety precautions. Instead of visiting Balasore Sadar and Tirtol personally, he has chosen to address virtual rallies in these constituencies keeping the safety and security of the people in mind.
The government, thus, has an excellent track record and its all-round performance has been greatly appreciated by the people. The truth is that the Biju Janata Dal itself will be seeking votes in Balasore Sadar and Tirtol on the performance plank because it remains confident about voters endorsing the good work of its government in the state. Led by Patnaik, the BJD is already far ahead of its rivals and certain to come up trumps on the counting day.
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