Seat Reservation Process Begins For Odisha Panchayat Polls 2027
Political activity gains momentum; PR representatives tilt towards ruling BJP
Bhubaneswar : The seat reservation process for the 2027 Panchayat elections in Odisha has been set in motion, with the panchayati raj department directing all district collectors to complete the exercise by April 2026 across Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad levels.
The move is aimed at streamlining electoral preparations and ensuring proper category-wise allocation of constituencies, including reservations for women, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
However, the ongoing process has triggered uncertainty among aspiring candidates and grassroots leaders, with concerns emerging over which seats may be reserved and who stands to benefit.
As per the notified schedule, objections to draft reservation lists for ward members, sarpanches and samiti members can be submitted by April 17. Hearings will be conducted by April 24, and finalisation is scheduled for April 29. In the case of Zilla Parishad seats, objections will be accepted till April 17, hearings will conclude by April 27, and final lists will be submitted by April 30.
Meanwhile, political activity across the state has intensified, with all three major parties stepping up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls. Although speculation has surfaced about a possible understanding between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, both parties have indicated that they are preparing to contest independently.
The BJD is planning to expand its outreach through district-level programmes beginning with Biju Jayanti, with party president Naveen Patnaik expected to lead the campaign.
“The Biju Janata Dal has always believed in the democratic process. We are fully prepared for any election. Our leader Naveen Patnaik’s decision remains paramount, and the BJD will contest with full strength,” said Sanjay Das Burma.
The Congress has also asserted its readiness, with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das launching renewed organisational efforts at the panchayat level.
“Necessary strategies are being put in place, and organisational activities are being intensified to ensure better outcomes,” Das said on Sunday.
On the other hand, the BJP has launched its ‘Gaon Chalo’ campaign from its foundation day on April 6 to strengthen its grassroots presence, focusing on highlighting the achievements of the double-engine government.
Political observers note that several Panchayat representatives have shifted allegiance towards the ruling party since the 2024 general elections, a trend that could pose challenges for the opposition, especially the BJD which lost power to the BJP in 2024 after 24 long years of reign.
State panchayati raj and drinking water minister Rabi Narayan Naik expressed confidence in continued public support, citing development work carried out over the past two years.
As the reservation process advances, political equations at the grassroots level are being reshaped, setting the stage for a keen contest in the 2027 Panchayat elections.
