Both party leaders and the people believe that 2019 may see the party relegated to the third spot—behind the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal and rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Five candidates, including former chief minister J.B. Patnaik’s son, Prithvi Ballabh, declined to accept the Congress ticket as the offers came too late. In 2014, the Congress had a vote share of 25.7% and won 16 assembly seats, but no Lok Sabha seats. Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik is fighting from two assembly seats. Among others, the father-son duo of George and Rohit Tirkey is contesting for Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Source: Mint April 21, 2019 19:30 UTC