Bhubaneswar: With the Election Commission (EC) announcing July 20 as the date of polling in Patkura assembly segment, Odisha's three major political parties have begun gearing their machineries for the high-voltage fight in coastal Kendrapara district.

According to political analysts, election to Patkura seat, currently held by the BJD, will be a prestige battle for the Naveen Patnaik-led party and the opposition BJP, as both were keen on increasing their tally in the House.