TV
The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been passed after a fierce debate in Rajya Sabha. During the discussion, it was the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), instead of the BJP, which came under the direct attack of the Opposition.
The BJD opposed the no-confidence motion and supported the bill. The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD was mocked by the Opposition members for its ‘equidistance policy’ in which the party has always been claiming to maintain distance from both the BJP and the Congress.
Through a Shayari, AAP MP Raghav Chadha said, “There seems to be some compulsion for the BJD to support the Bill. Several houses like ours will burn when there will be fire.” Congress also questioned on what basis the BJD supported the Bill?
“I understand the BJP but I don’t understand the half-hearted support by the BJD and the YSRCP to the bill,” said Congress MP, Chidambaram.
RJD’s Manoj Jha said equidistance means neutrality, but the parties who are claiming such are not following it.
“BJD is equidistant from the BJP and the Congress and our principal opposition party in Odisha is BJP and our stand doesn’t change,” said BJD’s Sasmit Patra.
Now under such circumstances, questions are being raised about whether the BJD-BJP political equation is changing? Is BJD leaning toward the NDA? Will the BJD get entangled by such open support? Even in Odisha speculation is rife whether there has been any negotiation for BJD’s support.
Recently, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah had heaped praises on Naveen Patnaik while attending a programme in Bhubaneswar.
“It is the Opposition’s concern. We (BJD) will make no comprise with the Government of India and will continue to raise issues before the Centre in the interest of the development of Odisha,” said Odisha Culture Minister, Ashwini Patra.
Senior Journalist, Rabi Das said, “It is a compromise and convenience policy as they want to remain in power and if it happens without any battle, it's good. They (BJD) don’t have any objection if Narendra Modi remains in power.”
