The Mystique of Number Nine: Decoding BJD's 'Formula 9' approach to Assembly Elections

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has taken a unique approach to announcing its candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Odisha. The approach, nicknamed "Formula 9," revolves around the number nine and its multiples, creating an intriguing pattern in the candidate announcement process.

It all began with the first list released on March 27, featuring 72 candidates (7+2=9). This pattern continued in subsequent lists, with the number nine serving as a central theme. The initial Lok Sabha candidates' list, also released on March 27, contained nine names. The second list included 27 candidates (2+7=9), and the following rounds saw nine candidates per list. The cumulative numbers after each round were all multiples of nine: 72, 99, 108, 117, 126, and 135. As of now, BJD has 12 candidates left to announce after its sixth list was released on Saturday.

While some BJD leaders claimed ignorance of the pattern, BJD insiders suggest there's a strong belief in the auspiciousness of the number nine, which has deep connections with Jagannath culture in Odisha. Prafulla Mishra, a Sanskrit scholar, mentioned, "Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra (car festival) goes on for nine days, representing nine planets. The chariot of Lord Jagannath has nine Parswa Debatas (side deities)." This connection may explain why Naveen Patnaik chants "Jai Jagannath" before announcing the names of the candidates in every round.

The pattern's significance is also reinforced by the fact that the first list of 72 candidates started with Jagannath Saraka, representing Bisam Cuttack, and ended with Jagannath Naik from the Patna assembly seat. The first MP list of nine started with Lambodar Nial, who is contesting the Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat. Interestingly, "Lambodar" is another name for Lord Ganesha.

Sripati Acharya, a numerology expert, told TOI that nine is a powerful number associated with success, power, and prosperity. "It represents the completion of a cycle, signifying the end of one phase and the readiness to embark on a new journey," he said.

While the BJD's strategy for the remaining 12 candidates is unclear, sources suggest that the party might release another list of nine candidates, followed by a separate announcement of three names. This method aligns with numerological compatibility, as both three and nine share similar characteristics.