BJD hints at joining BJP again
Prior to the next Lok Sabha elections, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has made suggestions about forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The official home of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Naveen Niwas, was the venue of a lengthy meeting held by BJD leaders on Wednesday. Concurrently, BJP counterparts, led by Manmohan Samal, the chief of the state unit, convened in the nation’s capital for a concurrent meeting where they discussed matters pertaining to elections, specifically the potential for forming an alliance.
Dramatic turn of events with BJD and BJP
A possible alliance between the two parties would represent a dramatic change in the political landscape of the state, particularly in light of the BJD’s 15-year exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which led former minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj to express regret that Naveen Patnaik would “regret” breaking off relations after an 11-year alliance.
BJD vice president and MLA Debi Prasad Mishra confirmed the talks but refrained from confirming the formation of an alliance, even though no official announcement has been made.
“Biju Janata Dal will prioritise the greater interests of the people of Odisha. Yes, there were discussions on the issue (alliance),” Mr Mishra told reporters after the meeting at Naveen Niwas.
Intensive discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
A press release issued by the BJD stated, “An extensive discussion was held under the leadership of BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with the senior leaders of the party today regarding the strategy of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.”
“It was resolved that since by 2036, Odisha will complete 100 years of its statehood, and BJD and Chief Minister Patnaik have major milestones to be achieved by this time, therefore Biju Janata Dal will do everything towards this in the greater interests of people of Odisha,” the statement added.
Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament Jual Oram confirmed talks on a pre-poll alliance with the BJD following a meeting in Delhi chaired by BJP President JP Nadda. He did, however, add that the central leadership of the party has the final say.
“Yes, there were discussions on the alliance among other issues. The party’s central leadership will make the final call,” Mr Oram stated.
