Amid the high-octane election campaign across the country, folk artists from western Odisha are actively participating in public gatherings to support candidates and garner voter support. Despite the rise of social media and modern musical instruments, these traditional performers continue to captivate audiences during election rallies in the coastal state.
The extensive election campaigns have provided an opportunity for folk artists to improve their financial status. Political parties, while adopting new methods, still rely on folk performances as a highly effective way to attract crowds to their events.
Local artist Shankar Prasad Behra noted that the demand for folk artists increases significantly during elections. “The world-famous Sambalpuri folk art is popular in western Odisha, and through this artwork, we draw people to election campaign venues and encourage them to vote for a candidate,” Behra told ANI.
Behra explained that his team has travelled across the state, performing and appealing to voters to participate in the democratic process. The artists create and perform songs for various political parties, regardless of affiliation. Although the trend of engaging folk artists in election campaigns has seen a slight decline due to social media and other communication modes, Behra emphasized that their performances remain valuable. “Our team, comprising singers, dancers, and musicians, still receives good opportunities to earn money,” he added.
Political parties continue to engage folk artists because of their unique ability to connect with people through performances in the local language and dance. The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha are being held simultaneously across four phases, from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJD won 112 out of 146 seats, while the BJP secured 23 seats and Congress nine. In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJD claimed 12 seats, the BJP won eight, and the Congress secured just one seat.
Odisha Folk Artists Captivate Voters During 2024 Election Campaigns.