Badri Narayan Patra dismisses BJD’s coalition with Congress

Senior BJD leader Badri Narayan Patra on Thursday dismissed the notions of a possible coalition with the Congress (INC), deeming such ideas unrealistic. He questioned the legitimacy of such claims within the BJD, emphasising his unawareness of any endorsement of these ideas by party leader Naveen Patnaik.

The senior leader voiced criticism against some party members, accusing them of arrogance and confusion amidst growing external critique. He remarked that unlike the political scenario five years prior, the BJD government faces challenges in regaining its former status with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now holding a majority.

He clarified that maintaining a stance equidistant from the BJP does not automatically imply an alliance with Congress, reaffirming BJD's longstanding independence from it.

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Speaking to media persons, the senior BJD leader said, “We were never with Congress and we never will. We also have no connection with the BJP and are always distanced from them. I don’t know who is spreading such rumours and creating confusion.”

“There is no gain in making such statements. Instead, those who make such statements are the ones who get humiliated. I do not know if they are entitled to give such statements. Has Naveen Patnaik told them to give such statements? Well, what can be done, as no one can stop anyone from saying anything,” he added.

“This is so illogical to claim that BJD will come back to power once again,” he added.

Certain BJD members, including Munna Khan, Debashish Samantaray, and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, have previously displayed overconfidence concerning the party's return to power. This underscores an ongoing pattern of leadership disputes and internal political manoeuvring within the BJD.