The 2019 elections in Odisha present a unique case where Narendra Modi becomes the most acceptable face as Prime Minister, but the Biju Janata Dal gets an upper hand in vote shares and seats. While the Bharatiya Janata Party has substantially gained in terms of vote share, the BJD has retained its popularity. The decline of Congress and the emergence of a women-centric political discourse in Odisha must be seen in this context.
