New Delhi: In a development that could reshape the political landscape of Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has hinted at the possibility of forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election. This revelation emerged following extensive discussions held separately by the two parties on Wednesday.
Leaders of the BJD congregated for a crucial session at Naveen Niwas, the official residence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while counterparts from the BJP, including its state unit chief Manmohan Samal, convened in the national capital for a parallel meeting.
The discussions revolved around electoral strategies, with a significant focus on the potential collaboration between the two parties.
The prospect of a pact between the erstwhile rivals signals a noteworthy shift in the state’s political dynamics, especially considering the BJD’s departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 15 years ago. This move had elicited a response from former BJP leader and minister Sushma Swaraj, who had predicted that Naveen Patnaik would come to “regret” severing ties after an 11-year understanding.
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While no formal announcement has been made yet, BJD vice president and MLA Debi Prasad Mishra confirmed that discussions had indeed taken place but refrained from confirming the formation of an alliance. “Biju Janata Dal will prioritize the greater interests of the people of Odisha. Yes, there were discussions on the issue,” Mishra told reporters after the meeting at Naveen Niwas.
A press release issued by the BJD highlighted the extensive deliberations held under the leadership of BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, emphasizing the strategy for 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.
On the BJP side, senior leader and MP Jual Oram, following the meeting chaired by BJP president JP Nadda in Delhi, confirmed discussions on a pre-poll alliance with the BJD. However, he clarified that the final decision rests with the party’s central leadership. “Yes, there were discussions on the alliance among other issues. The party’s central leadership will make the final call,” Mr. Oram stated.
The potential alliance between the BJD and BJP has set the stage for a dramatic electoral contest in Odisha, with implications likely to reverberate throughout the nation. As the parties tread cautiously through this newfound political terrain, all eyes remain glued to the unfolding developments, awaiting further announcements that could reshape the contours of power in the state.
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