“In The Greater Interest Of People Of Odisha…”: BJD On Lok Sabha Elections

As rumours are abundant that Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) might join Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party has issued a statement. Without mentioning the decision on whether to go alone or join the NDA, the party has released a cryptic statement which said as the state is expected to achieve major milestones by its 100th anniversary, it will do everything possible in the greater interest of the people of Odisha.

However, reports have emerged that a deal between BJD and BJP has almost been sealed in Odisha, with 13 to 14 seats being given to BJP in Lok Sabha while BJD with settle with 7 to 8 seats.

Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai wrote on X quoting sources in Bhubaneswar that in return, the ruling BJD will get more seats and assurance of chief minister post. Final decision within the next few days, he also wrote.

The Assembly elections to Odisha legislature is expected in coming April. In the ongoing government BJD has 112 MLAs and BJP has 23. Congress is in the third position with 9 seats in total 147. In the last 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJD had won 12 seats, BJP 8 and Congress 1 out of total 21 seats.

The statement released by BJD Senior Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra and Senior General Secretary Arun Kumar Sahoo said 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. 

“In the discussions it was resolved that since by 2036, Odisha will complete 100 years of its statehood and BJD and Honble CM has 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 and the State,” the statement read.

The talk of a potential BJP-BJD alliance gained momentum on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Odisha Chief Minister, hailing him as a “popular CM”. In turn, Patnaik commended PM Modi for his role in elevating India’s status as an “economic powerhouse”, marking the second public display of camaraderie between the two leaders in a month.

During his visit to Chandikhole in Jajpur district to inaugurate and lay the foundation for projects worth nearly Rs 20,000 crore, PM Modi also paid tribute to the legacy of Naveen’s late father, two-time Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, on his 108th birth anniversary.

“Biju Babu’s invaluable contributions to the development of Odisha and the nation remain unmatched,” PM Modi stated. “It’s an honor for me to pay homage on behalf of India from Odisha.”

While PM Modi refrained from direct criticism of the Odisha government, he directed his scrutiny towards the Congress and other parties within the opposition INDIA bloc. “For INDIA, family takes precedence, while for Modi, the nation comes first,” he remarked.