"We have a sizable vote bank in every seat and whatever we get will be mainly due to the divisions of non-Congress votes. I don't see any wave in favour of the Congress," he said.
Unlike the past, the image of Patnaik has been hit with his government embroiled in several controversies, including mining scam, mid-day meal scam, chit fund scam or the law and order situation. The traditional anti-incumbency factor is also likely to be reflected in the elections, his critics say.
Besides,what may go against is his inability to learn or speak odia fluently, the state's mother-tongue, even after 17 years in politics.
Patnaik, 67, also does not have the support of Pyarimohan Mohapatra, a bureaucrat-turned-politician who worked behind the scenes in the past elections to ensure his success.
