Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering strategies to postpone the Panchayat elections scheduled for 2027. This move aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence before the 2029 general elections. Currently, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holds significant control over local governance structures, including approximately 80% of positions such as Sarpanchs, Block Chairpersons, District Council Presidents, Councilors, Corporators, NAC and Municipal Chairpersons, and Mayors. In recent by-elections, the BJD has also performed strongly, indicating its robust organizational structure at the village level.
Since forming the government in 2024, the BJP has faced challenges in strengthening its organizational base at the grassroots level. The delay in appointing a new state president has further hindered organizational activities, including member recruitment and internal elections. In contrast, the BJD has been proactive in organizing protests and demonstrations on various issues, maintaining its visibility and engagement with the public.
Surveys suggest that if Panchayat elections were held now, the BJD might outperform the ruling BJP. To mitigate this, the BJP plans to focus on strengthening its grassroots network by engaging with local leaders, especially Panchayat members, and addressing their concerns. The party aims to implement this strategy starting in May, with the goal of enhancing its organizational presence at the village level. By doing so, the BJP hopes to improve its performance in future elections and counter the BJD’s influence in local governance.
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