Speculation Mounts Over BJP-BJD Alliance Following PM Modi’s Odisha Visit

Bhubaneswar: Speculation is rife over a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the state. During his three-day tour covering Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar from March 4 to 6, reports surfaced suggesting discussions between BJP and BJD leaders.

According to sources cited by various media outlets, BJP officials convened in Delhi for discussions, while BJD leaders held meetings at Navin Niwas in Bhubaneshwar. Additionally, Odisha BJP representatives reportedly travelled to Delhi for a crucial meeting with party leadership. News outlets speculated on the possibility of an alliance between the two parties.

Fueling these speculations were Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during his visit to Odisha, where he launched development projects totalling over ₹19,600 crore in Jajpur. Notably, PM Modi criticized the Congress and INDIA bloc but refrained from addressing the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government. He also highlighted the Jayanti of Biju Patnaik, Naveen Patnaik’s late father, praising his contributions to the nation and Odisha.

Meanwhile, the political landscape saw several BJD and Congress leaders defecting to the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.