Disquiet grows in Odisha as BJP-BJD alliance discussions drag on

A possible alliance between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, a clear picture of which is yet to emerge, has not only sent leaders of both parties into a tizzy but also has pushed voters in Odisha into utter confusion.

“The alliance prospects between the State and the Centre is only meant to hoodwink common people,” said a voter.

“People are utterly confused over the possibility of an alliance between the ruling BJD and Opposition BJP. They are not able to understand anything,” said another voter.

Decision pending at the top!

As per reports, the dates for the upcoming election will be announced after a few hours. However, there is still suspense over the possible alliance between the BJD and BJP. Moreover, Amit Shah's comments that the decision is still pending with the Prime Minister and the party president, have further added to the anxiety. 

“Both parties should make it clear whether there will be an alliance or not. Making people fool over the matter is not acceptable,” said a voter.

“People are in utter confusion on how the ruling party and the opposition party will govern Odisha together. Won’t there be any problem in decision-making?” asked another voter.

Infighting grows in BJD

On the other hand, infighting between BJD leaders is getting bitter with each passing day. Birmaharajpur block vice-chairman and ticket aspirant, Narayan Luha’s supporters organised a huge bike rally against sitting MLA Padmanabha Behera. 

“We need a leader who will stand by us in any situation. We will vote for such a leader who is eager to provide service voluntarily,” said Bibhaswati Panda, a supporter of Luha.

Meanwhile, BJD's Paradip MLA, Sambit Routray is also facing heavy protests in his constituency. Some workers of the party under the leadership of the former Chairman of Kujang block, Smruti Ranjan Behera recently conducted a huge meeting in Rahama and spewed venom against Sambit.

“We need a capable leader who will serve people willingly. These kinds of campaigns will continue in the future,” said Sisir Das, former Sarpanch of Sailo Gram Panchayat in Jagatsinghpur district.

Moreover, BJD ticket aspirant Biranchi Mahasupakar is flexing his muscles against the sitting MLA of Ekamra constituency in Bhubaneswar, Ashok Panda by organising meetings with his supporters on a regular basis. A couple of days back, Biranchi intensified his lobby for a party ticket by conducting a huge meeting of his supporters in Bhubaneswar.

“We need a change in Ekamra constituency. For that purpose, around 10,000 people participated in the meeting spontaneously,” said Mahasupakar.

However, no reactions from all the three sitting MLAs could be obtained in this regard.