Jajpur, a constituency in Odisha, is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, the political atmosphere in Jajpur is charged with excitement and anticipation. This article delves into the socio-political landscape, electoral history, and current candidates vying for the Jajpur Lok Sabha seat, providing a comprehensive overview of the constituency’s electoral dynamics.
Historical Context and Socio-Political Landscape
Jajpur, part of Odisha’s 21 Lok Sabha constituencies, has a deep-rooted historical significance. The region is famous for its ancient temples and the sacred Vaitarani River. Politically, Jajpur has seen representation from multiple parties over the years, reflecting a dynamic political landscape. The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Castes and includes seven assembly segments: Binjharpur, Bari, Barchana, Dharmasala, Jajpur, Korei, and Sukinda.
Jajpur Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results
The 2024 elections in Jajpur are critical, with major political parties fielding strong candidates. Below is the list of candidates contesting this year:
| Candidate Name | Party |
|---|---|
| Sarmistha Sethi | BJD |
| Rabindra Narayan Behera | BJP |
| Anchal Das | INC |
| Er Sandhya Rani Mallick | BSP |
| Binod Kumar Jena | GNASURKP |
| Subash Chandra Mallik | SUCI |
| Bidyadhar Dalei | APOI |
| Mantu Sethi | JANDP |
| Jhuna Malik | MLSD |
| Arttatrana Malik | IND |
| Bhairaba Prasad | IND |
| Narendra Malika | IND |
| Sumanta Malik | IND |
Electoral History and Past Performance
Jajpur has seen a mix of victories from the Indian National Congress (INC), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and other parties. In the 2019 elections, BJD’s Sarmistha Sethi won with 544,020 votes, defeating BJP’s Amiya Kanta Mallick who secured 442,327 votes. The electoral performance of Jajpur in past elections is illustrated below:
| Year | Winner | Party | Votes | Runner-Up | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sarmistha Sethi | BJD | 544,020 | Amiya Kanta Mallick | BJP | 442,327 |
| 2014 | Rita Tarai | BJD | 541,349 | Ashok Das | INC | 221,078 |
| 2009 | Mohan Jena | BJD | 437,409 | Ashok Das | INC | 312,354 |
2024 Candidates and Voter Turnout
The 2024 elections see a diverse set of candidates from various political backgrounds. The voter turnout in Jajpur has been relatively high, indicating strong political engagement among the populace. The voter turnout and candidates’ data for the 2024 elections are as follows:
| Year | Total Voters | Turnout % | Main Candidates | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,200,000 | – | Sarmistha Sethi | BJD | – |
| Rabindra Narayan Behera | BJP | – | |||
| Anchal Das | INC | – |
2019 Candidates and Results
In 2019, the main candidates were from BJD, BJP, and INC. The results were as follows:
| Candidate Name | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarmistha Sethi | BJD | 544,020 | 49.8% |
| Amiya Kanta Mallick | BJP | 442,327 | 40.5% |
| Manas Jena | INC | 83,321 | 7.6% |
Election Verdict and Analysis
The 2019 election results showed a strong preference for BJD in Jajpur, with Sarmistha Sethi winning by a significant margin. The BJP also performed well but could not close the gap. The 2024 elections are expected to be competitive, with voter preferences possibly influenced by local issues and party performance at the state level.
Conclusion
Jajpur’s political landscape is both dynamic and historically rich. The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be a crucial determinant of the region’s political future. With a diverse array of candidates and significant voter engagement, the election results will reflect the evolving political sentiments of the constituency.