Opposition and NDA show of strength: Pressure on BJD after ‘Trisankhu politics’ remark

With political equation changing pretty fast at the national level following the recent Opposition Unity meet and the subsequent show of strength by the NDA, its impact is gradually being felt in Odisha. While the Opposition alliance of 26 parties will now be called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), 38 parties are in the NDA fold.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s statement that it is not the time for “trishanku” politics has warmed up the political situation in Odisha.

Though the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) still reiterated its stance of ‘equidistance politics’, Congress alleged that the BJD is supporting Congress out of fear of CBI, ED, and IT department raids.

The BJP, on the other hand, said that it’s better to ask Naveen Patnaik if there is any compulsion. Such political statements are flying thick and fast in Odisha as the BJD is neither announcing support for NDA nor is extending a hand to the Opposition alliance.

Politics is now active in Odisha with state political leaders from different parties coming out with different statements.

In response to the Opposition meet in Bengaluru, Odisha BJP President, Manmohan Samal said, “Several political parties having ideological differences with BJP have come together. We want Congress, which has not got the tag of the opposition for the last 10 years, to become a strong opposition so that democracy is strengthened.”

Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said 26 parties decided to work unitedly against BJP at the Centre as it doesn’t believe in democracy and those who are against the democratic set-up have refrained from attending.

Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has always claimed to have been maintaining equidistance. But they (BJD) are with the BJP and they are one, alleged the senior Congress leader.

Mishra said that if BJD is able to get work done, then there is no need to attend the NDA meet.

“BJD is supporting various bills and people are saying that it is due to fear as central agencies like ED, CBI are going after leaders of other political parties in the country,” said Mishra.

BJD vice-president, Debi Prasad Mishra said, “Our party supremo has already cleared its stand that we will maintain equidistance from the BJP and the Congress. Being a regional party, we are working for development and regional aspirations. “

On opposition parties' allegations, Mishra said, “We do not believe in personal attacks, and in a federal structure there is nothing wrong in extending support on some issues. A meeting is underway in Bengaluru and NDA will do a similar meeting, but BJD is maintaining equidistance.”