Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav Saturday said that the saffron party will fight alone in Odisha in the next Assembly election and form government.
Speaking to reporters here, Yadav said, “There is no alliance between BJD and BJP. We will fight alone in Odisha and will also form the government.” Yadav’s statement assumes significance in the backdrop of speculations in state political circles that BJP and BJD may form an alliance for the upcoming elections.
The theory gained ground following the crucial and secret meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here last week, and the BJD’s full-hearted support to the Modi government in two important issues in the Parliament.
Joining Yadav, state BJP president Manmohan Samal said the party will fight alone in all the 147 Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats in the next election. Stating that his party is ready to fight election at any time, he said they have the support and voters.
On the other hand, senior BJD leader and minister Pramila Mallick said the BJP’s wish is “like a daydream” and claimed that her party will win the next election with a thumping majority and form government for the sixth consecutive time. Mallick also ruled out any proposal to form any alliance with the BJP for the upcoming poll.
Meanwhile, confusion is growing within BJP and the ruling BJD as no one knows what was discussed in the close-door meeting between Shah and BJD Supremo. However, BJD MP Munna Khan said there is no confusion among party workers because BJD has extended support for some bills while it has been opposing some other bills.
PNN