Explaining The Task Performance and Electoral Success: A Case from India

Abstract

This article offers an explanatory framework for task performance of the local agents at the grassroots level and its effect on the electoral performance of leading political parties, employing Odisha as a case study. The Biju Janata Dal in Odisha has showcased a high level of electoral success since its inception and Bharatiya Janata Party, and Congress remain as strong competitors. The article argues that higher the task performance of the organization agents of the party at the local level, higher the electoral success. The task performance defines the activities of the party members before and during the election. Using quantitative information of the local organization of BJD, BJP, and Congress party of two constituencies, this study examines the task performance of the party agents at local level. Further, we argue that active local organization consolidates the vote share of the party.