Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are speculated to revive their alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. Although no formal announcement has been made, leaders from both parties have hinted at the possibility of reuniting. The BJD had exited the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2009 following unsuccessful negotiations over seat-sharing after an 11-year partnership.
Sources within the BJD have suggested that the party may allocate 13 Lok Sabha seats to itself and provide eight seats to the BJP. Conversely, the BJP is pushing for nine Lok Sabha seats and 55 in the Odisha assembly polls. Currently, the BJP holds eight Lok Sabha seats and 23 assembly seats in the state.
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With Odisha comprising 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 assembly constituencies, discussions between the BJD and BJP leaders have intensified. A recent three-hour meeting at Naveen Niwas, Patnaik’s residence, involved deliberations on potential strategies for the upcoming elections. Both parties have acknowledged the talks of the alliance, with BJD emphasizing the state’s progress under Patnaik’s leadership and BJP indicating that the final decision rests with its central leadership.
Despite initial denials, speculation about the BJD-BJP alliance has gained traction, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha, where he lauded Patnaik’s contributions to the state’s development. Notably, the alliance would mark a significant turnaround from their 11-year political partnership that dissolved in 2009 due to disagreements over seat allocation.
The BJD’s continued support for the Modi-led central government in Parliament post-NDA exit underscores the complexity of their relationship. However, the final decision on alliance formation remains pending, subject to deliberations by the central leadership of both parties.
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