Congress Alleges BJP-BJD Nexus in Odisha, Claims Both Parties Are “2 Sides of the Same Coin”

Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh have leveled allegations of collusion between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that both parties share a common agenda.

Ramesh reiterated Gandhi’s claims, stating that the BJD and BJP are indistinguishable, with the former extending unwavering support to the latter in Parliament.

Ramesh highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s purported agenda to privatise key public sector assets, citing historical contributions made by entities like NALCO, Hirakud dam, and NTPC. He warned of imminent threats to these institutions under Modi’s governance, alleging a sell-off to favored industrialists.

Pointing out the striking similarities between the two parties’ acronyms, Ramesh quipped that the only distinction lies in the letters ‘P’ and ‘D,’ insinuating a mutual alignment of interests. He further claimed that discussions with BJD members revealed explicit instructions to support Modi’s initiatives, suggesting a coordinated effort between the two parties.

Ramesh criticized what he referred to as “shadow boxing” between the BJP and BJD in Odisha, alleging a facade of discord while underlying collaboration persists. He emphasized the Congress’s role as the sole opposition against the ideologies propagated by the BJP and RSS.