BJP Leads in Early Trends for Odisha Assembly Elections

The BJP has secured early leads in 50 assembly seats in Odisha, while the BJD leads in 35 constituencies. Congress is ahead in seven seats, with an Independent candidate leading in one constituency. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is leading in Kantabanji. Several ministers are trailing as counting continues.

The BJP has taken an early lead in at least 50 assembly seats in Odisha, according to the Election Commission of India.

The BJD, on the other hand, has seen its nominees leading in 35 constituencies out of the 94 of 147 assembly seats for which early trends were available by 10:30 AM.

Congress is ahead in seven seats, while CPI (M) leads in one. An Independent candidate has also taken a leading position, as per Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal.

Several Odisha ministers are trailing, while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leads in Kantabanji over his nearest rival Laxman Bag of the BJP by a narrow margin of 158 votes.

Finance Minister Bikram Arukha, Forest and Environment Minister PK Amat, Science and Technology Minister Ashok Panda, Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick, and Planning and Coordination Minister Rajendra Dholakia are among those trailing.

Counting is underway in 70 centres across the state, with around 18-19 rounds of counting expected for the seats.

BJD leader Pramila Mallik, also the Assembly Speaker, is leading in Binjharpur, while Minister Jagannath Saraka leads in Bissam Cuttack and BJD's Mahesh Sahoo in Hindol.

CPI (M) candidate and sitting MLA Laxman Munda is leading in the Bonai assembly constituency, whereas Independent candidate Soumya Ranjan Patnaik is leading in Ghasipura MLA seat over BJD nominee Badri Narayan Patra.