Re-alliance of BJD, BJP Looks Imminent In Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: BJD and BJP on Wednesday started an exercise to forge a re-alliance in Odisha after 15 years ahead of the twin elections. BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik, and BJP national president J P Nadda separately discussed with leaders of their respective parties on the alliance plans on Wednesday. 

“The BJD will take a decision in the best interest of the state as Odisha eyes new milestones of development in its centenary year of its formation in 2036,” senior BJD leader and former minister Debiprasad Mishra told journalists. 

In Delhi, BJP MP and former Union minister Jual Oram said, “There were discussions on many issues, including a possible coalition plan. The central leadership will take a final call.” 

Sources said negotiations are on between the two parties on sharing of seats for the ensuing assembly and Lok Sabha elections. 

BJD joined hands with the BJP in 1998. Naveen led a coalition government for two terms in Odisha (2000-2004 and 2004-2009) before BJD parted the way with BJP ahead of 2009 simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in the wake of ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal. 

On March 1, BJP state president Manmohan Samal ruled out speculations over a possible alliance with the BJD. The next day, BJD spokesperson Sasmita Patra blamed the BJP for spreading the alliance ‘rumour’.