Once again the alliance speculation between the BJP and the BJD in Odisha ahead of the crucial 2024 elections has been fuelled following consecutive visits of the senior leaders of the saffron party to New Delhi in a very short span of period. It is after a gap of mere two days that the state BJP leaders have been called by the party’s central leadership for a discussion.
With a series of meetings, it is expected that a clear picture is likely to emerge soon. Sources said that all the confusion is likely to be cleared by tomorrow. However, the statement of senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya that coalition politics is nothing new for Odisha has added fuel to the ongoing speculations over alliance with BJP.
“There is nothing new in coalition politics in Odisha as well as in the country. Ours is a democratic party and our leader takes a decision after prior discussion and the decision is abided by all,” said Acharya.
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Meanwhile, the aspirants of both the parties are worried a lot amidst the alliance speculation that has been continuing for the past several days in the state. This is because if any alliance happens, it will be based on a new formula. It may deprive several aspirants as well as leaders of getting tickets. It is said that some discussion is going on regarding seat sharing between both the parties.
This perhaps has made the aspirants a little apprehensive and created confusion in their minds. During the coalition in 2004, eight independent candidates had won. This time, maximum aspirants are from the ruling BJD and it may create problems for the party if any coalition materialises.
Yudhistira Sahu, a BJD Samiti member, said, “If there is an alliance, BJD will be at a losing end. BJD workers will not accept and vote for BJP if Byomkesh Ray is not given a ticket.”
“We hope that if there is a coalition, Jeypore seat falls into BJP’s hand as BJD has lost twice from here,” said Sudhanshu Sekhar Jena, an aspirant.
Not only aspirants, the leaders who have switched camps recently are also a worried lot.
Senior journalist, Prasanna Mohanty said, “We hope that things will get clear soon. It will affect both BJP and BJD if things are delayed. As the election is round the corner and notification might be issued at any moment, we hope that a clear picture will emerge soon.”