In the realm of political speculation, a potential pre-electoral coalition between the BJP and BJD still hovers uncertainly, as Odisha’s Chief Executive, Naveen Patnaik, has convened a session of his party’s seasoned dignitaries on Thursday afternoon, undisclosed sources revealed.
The BJD, following its assembly of senior figures on March 6, a day subsequent to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha, has opted for further deliberations on the subject, citing a lack of progress from the BJP’s end, as conveyed by a knowledgeable BJD insider speaking under the veil of anonymity.
During the March 6 assembly, the BJD resolved to consider “anything (including coalition)” in the broader interest of the region, the source disclosed. “The proposition for a coalition emanated from the BJP camp, prompting discussions among BJD leaders at Naveen Niwas, the residence of Patnaik,” the source revealed.
Following the session, Patnaik’s trusted confidant, V K Pandian, along with BJD’s organizing secretary, Pranab Prakash Das, hastened to Delhi to relay the regional party’s stance on the potential coalition to senior BJP figures. Nonetheless, the BJD awaits any formal response from the BJP’s upper echelons.
“The agenda for Thursday’s meeting may revolve around the evolving political landscape in the state, particularly in light of the potential coalition,” the informant indicated. However, a number of BJP figures, including MPs Pratap Sarangi and Jual Oram, have voiced reservations regarding the proposed coalition.