The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has hinted at the possibility of forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. On Wednesday, leaders of the BJD held an extensive session at Naveen Niwas, the official residence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Simultaneously, BJP counterparts, including its state unit chief Manmohan Samal, gathered in the national capital for a parallel meeting, engaging in discussions related to electoral affairs, with a specific focus on the potential alliance.
A potential agreement between the two parties signifies a noteworthy shift in the political dynamics of the state, particularly considering BJD’s departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 15 years ago. This departure had prompted former BJP leader and minister Sushma Swaraj to suggest that Naveen Patnaik would “regret” severing ties after an 11-year understanding.
While no formal announcement has been issued, BJD Vice President and MLA Debi Prasad Mishra confirmed the discussions 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 (alliance),” Mr. Mishra conveyed to reporters after the meeting at Naveen Niwas.