Amidst the ongoing speculations regarding an alliance with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, senior BJP leader & MP, Jual Oram on Wednesday said that a discussion in this regard was held at the Core Committee meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. However, Oram further stated that the Central leadership of the BJP will take a final call on the coalition issue.
Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan among others attended the Core Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of BJP National President JP Nadda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present.
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“There was discussion on alliance but nothing is final now. The top leaders of the party will decide on it. But we have told that we will fight alone. We gave our opinion, but whatever the Central leaders of the party decide, we will abide by it. Various issues on how to fight elections were discussed at the crucial meeting,” said Oram after the core committee meeting in New Delhi.
Oram said that already the list of candidates has been prepared and the party president and others will take a final decision for the 147 Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats. According to Oram, no discussion on seat sharing was held.
“I cannot comment on any alliance issue. The top leadership of the party will comment on it,” said Oram.
Meanwhile, senior leaders of the BJD also held a series of meetings with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik at his official residence in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.