Ananta Nayak emerged victorious in Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency, Odisha. Nayak is a distinguished politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He garnered a total of 5,73,923 votes, leading by 97,042 votes. Dhanurjay Siddu of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured the second position with 4,76,881votes. Binod Bihari Naik of the Indian National Congress (INC) secured the third position in the constituency with 1,05,278 votes.

Nayak have represented the Keonjhar constituency of Odisha in the 14th Lok Sabha. He was elected to the Kendujhar Lok Sabha constituency at the age of 30. He was elected from the constituency twice consecutively. Nayak currently holds the position of President (Tribal Morcha) in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

As per his election affidavit, Ananta Nayak’s total assets amount to ₹84.9 lakh, with liabilities valued at ₹1.8 lakh. He has declared an annual income of ₹42.7 lakh. It is worth noting that Nayak has disclosed one pending criminal case, none of which are considered serious offenses.

Keonjhar is renowned for being a significant hub for mineral production. This district boasts an abundance of major minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, chromate, quartzite, bauxite, gold, pyrophyllite, and limestone. Additionally, Keonjhar is inhabited by various indigenous communities including Munda, Kolh, Bhuiyan, Juang, Saanti, Bathudi, Gond, Santhal, Orang, and Kondh.

In 2019, with 1,516,688 electors, Biju Janata Dal’s Chandrani Murmu emerged victorious with 526,359 votes in Keonjhar, defeating Ananta Nayak by 66,203 votes. In 2014, BJD’s Sakuntala Laguri won with 434,471 votes, Nayak by 157,317 votes. In 2009, BJD’s Yashbant Narayan Singh Laguri secured victory with 389,104 votes, defeating Indian National Congress’ Dhanurjaya Sidu by 126,484 votes.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project.)