Odisha · Ellipses

Two years on from 2024, the BJP is struggling to build on its Odisha win. Its former ally, the BJD, still has strong ground support and was narrowly ahead on vote share in the assembly polls, 40.22% to 40.07%.

Some senior BJP leaders are unhappy with the state government's progress, and three party MPs have complained in letters about slow, poor-quality infrastructure work in their constituencies.

Meanwhile, the BJD has attacked the Centre over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, calling it anti-federal, and has joined Opposition criticism of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Why BJP is struggling to consolidate its Odisha election victory

News India Xtra@newsIndiaxtra

An Odisha IAS officer has accused BJP MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi of threatening to kill him during a row over flood relief in Ganjam district. Samir Kumar Jena, the district's chief development officer, lodged the complaint over WhatsApp, and police are treating it as an e-FIR. He says the MLA shouted at him in a municipal office.

Padhi, who met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, calls it a misunderstanding that is now settled. The BJD has condemned the incident and demanded legal action against him.

IAS officer alleges death threat over flood relief distribution, files plaint against BJP MLA