Bhubaneswar: After Senior Congress Leader Narasingha Mishra's meeting with CM Naveen Patnaik in Delhi created some flutter, reports are doing the rounds that president of Ama Odisha Party, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik also met the BJD president, triggering speculations that these two stalwarts of Odisha politics could have some role to play in the ruling party in the days to come.
Recently, at the Indian Hockey Team's jersey launch event Soumya Ranjan was seen chatting with Naveen's private secretary VK Pandian. Moreover, it is believed that Soumya Ranjan also met Naveen in New Delhi. He had also met Naveen at the latter's residence in Bhubaneswar a few days back.
"The event was not for any political discussions. I have had no such discussions with Naveen. As far as I believe there should be no hesitation to join hands with a party that supports our cause," said Soumya Ranjan.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra also met Naveen in Delhi fuelling speculations about a secret political alliance. However, Mishra clarified yesterday that the meeting was regarding smooth conduct of the upcoming Hockey World Cup which will be hosted by Odisha.
"My meeting with Naveen Babu and his meeting with PM Modi should not be construed as political. So, such speculations should end here,” Mishra had stated.
Naveen after returning from Delhi also clarified saying, "Mishra just dropped in 5 minutes before the hockey function to find out the details."