Exactly. Nothing to do with actual governance of both states. After all they are governed in exactly the same manner by parties which follows the same ideology.
And despite 5 terms, orrisa isn't greatly governed either. And amongst the poorer states.
Bjp has managed to recruit many Cong and bjp leaders as well.
Or maybe that's because Patnaik is an excellent CM who does brilliant work?
@Moonred @digitalnirvana are both from Bengal. Why don't you ask them about how has Mamta Banerjee been?
Punjab and Orissa both went against BJP. Is it really a surprise that where there are strong leaders, the BJP has failed to prosper?
5 terms as cm now and orrisa is largely a poor state and underdeveloped. Not sure what great work he has done to merit that? Okay he may not be bad but he keeps getting reelected because his party apparatus is strongest plus he controls media mostly.
If electorate could have been polarized he would have been thrown out by now. No doubt.
As for Punjab it is a Sikh dominated state, so a minority state to begin with. Also akalis are unpopular after past terms. And even there on more Hindu dominated seats where bjp contested they have done better if you see.
Amarinder himself hasn't done any great work there in his past term or this term but is still riding on coming to power and AAP infighting. Also Modi is unpopular there actually amongst some sections.