For Union minister for steel and mines Naveen Patnaik, Aska could be an electoral mine-field. He needs to tread warily this time round as his standing in this constituency doesn't necessarily mean a cakewalk.

The younger son of the legendary Biju Patnaik is facing a direct fight from CPI's Dutikrushna Panda. Aska had been a stronghold of both the Congress and CPI for several years before the senior Patnaik wrested the seat in 1996. A straight contest now means the consolidation of communist and Congress votes against Naveen. His socialite status and reputation as an author cuts no ice with the rustic voters of Aska.

What, however, makes things easy for him is his apparent concern for Aska. Naveen's advantage is the traces of sympathy for his late father that still sweeps through the constituency and his enviable record as a Member of Parliament.

Unlike other MPs, Naveen has kept in touch with his constituency constantly. He has attempted to remove the mainlocal grievance of drinking water scarcity. Tubewells have been dug and rigs employed for exploratory purposes. As a minister, the BJD supremo has also used his good offices to ensure health facilities for the voters of Aska.

Naveen's concern for his poor electorate is fetching dividends. As he crisscrosses through Aska, passers-by wait patiently with folded hands in silent reverence for the new prince. It is not a boisterous campaign, but it is effective nevertheless. However, winning hearts and getting votes are two different ball games.