Bhubaneswar: There could be a 'tactful understanding' between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress in Odisha to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power, said Union Minister, Jual Oram in Bhubaneswar today.
Oram expressed such apprehension taking into account the recent developments in Karnataka where the Congress and JDS joined hands to prevent BJP's Yeddyurappa from becoming CM.
The Union Minister stated that after Karnataka there is a possibility of a similar alliance between Congress and BJD ahead of 2019 elections as both parties were 'partners' on several occasions in the past in Odisha.
"When BJP pulled out of the alliance with BJD in 2009, the Congress instead of demanding President's Rule in Odisha bailed out Naveen Patnaik and allowed him to contest polls," said Oram.
Newly-elected Rajya Sabha member Soumya Ranjan Patnaik could act as a bridge between Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief, Niranjan Patnaik and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, he added.
"As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is working for the development of the country and bulk of the central schemes are directly benefiting the SC/ST people, both Congress and BJD may form an unholy nexus to keep BJP out of power as both parties are indulged in several scams including chit fund and mining in Odisha," Oram added.
Responding to the statements of Oram, Niranjan Patnaik stated that there is no nexus between BJD and Congress and rather, BJD and BJP were in a coalition for nine years.
"BJP is scared of losing the 2019 elections and leaders are making such acquisitions. BJD and BJP's internal understanding is evident from the fact that Naveen Patnaik is not attending Karnataka CM's oath-taking ceremony while CMs of all non-BJP States are attending the event," said Patnaik.
Patnaik further said that Soumyaranjan Patnaik left Congress and joined BJD. He always thinks for the betterment of Odisha and it is his personal decision, he added.
On the other hand BJD spokesperson, Sasmit Patra said, "From Jual Oram's statements it is evident that BJP's leaders are in a state of shock after Karnataka results. It appears that BJP leaders are searching for ways to save themselves from a possible defeat in 2019."
Patra further stated that Naveen Patnaik had already clarified that BJD would always be equidistant from BJP and Congress.