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