The Puri Lok Sabha constituency in Odisha holds significant political importance, encompassing a substantial population and comprising several Vidhan Sabha seats. Over the years, it has been a stronghold for both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), reflecting the diverse political landscape of the region.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, BJD candidate Pinaki Mishra secured victory with a substantial vote count of 538,321, reaffirming the party's dominance in the constituency. However, it's noteworthy that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Sambit Patra closely trailed behind with 526,607 votes, indicating a strong challenge posed by the BJP in the electoral arena.
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Similarly, in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Pinaki Mishra of the BJD emerged victorious with 523,161 votes, maintaining the party's grip on the constituency. The Congress candidate, Suchitra Mohanty, secured the second position with 289,800 votes, highlighting the competition between the two major parties in the region.
The decision of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to replace its long-standing MP Pinaki Misra with former Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik adds an element of novelty to the electoral landscape of the Puri Lok Sabha constituency. With Misra's tenure spanning three consecutive terms since 1998, this move marks a significant change in the party's strategy and candidate selection process.
Arup Patnaik's candidacy brings a fresh face to the political arena of Puri, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the contest. His background as a former police commissioner and his experience in public service may offer a different perspective to the electorate.
However, the BJP's Sambit Patra, who closely contested the previous election and secured a substantial number of votes, remains a formidable opponent. Patra's continued presence in the electoral fray indicates the BJP's determination to challenge the BJD's stronghold in the constituency.
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Likewise, Congress' Jay Narayan Patnaik enters the race, aiming to carve out a space for the party in a constituency that has historically been dominated by the BJD.
The upcoming election in Puri promises to be a closely watched affair, with the three main contenders vying for the mandate of the electorate. The outcome will hinge on various factors, including the candidates' appeal, campaign strategies, and local issues. The margin of victory in the previous election suggests a keenly contested battle, and it will be interesting to see how the voters respond to the new lineup of candidates on polling day.
Key candidates:
| Candidate | Party |
| Sambit Patra | BJP |
| Jay Narayan Patnaik | INC |
| Arup Patnaik | BJD |
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