Amid confusion still reigning supreme over the possibility of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expelled BJD leader and Khandapada legislator Soumya Ranjan Patnaik predicted the resurgence of only one Opposition party in case a coalition becomes a reality.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Khandapada MLA said, ”If the BJP and the BJD go in for an alliance and form the government, only one party will have a chance to grow.”
However, he did not clarify the party that will emerge as the sole opposition. Many wonder if he is referring to the Congress, of which he was once a member.
“This situation will arise because the BJP was asserting itself as the opposition and an alternative. In case of an alliance, the BJP will be not there as an opposition,” he added.
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When asked if Odisha will see development because of a coalition government, the ex-BJD leader observed with oblique criticism, "Odisha has seen so much development that it does not require more development. It doesn’t matter if further development happens or not.”
On September 21, 2023, Chief Minister and BJD president, Naveen Patnaik expelled Soumya Ranjan Patnaik from the party on charges of anti-people activities.