Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's admiration to chief minister Naveen Patnaik on demonetisation issue has led to speculation on prospect of a new political equation even as both the parties have ruled out any such political understanding.
Not only the Prime Minister, but also his Cabinet colleagues like Piyus Goyal, Arun Jaitely, Rajnath Singh had earlier appreciated Patnaik over the same issue.
Sundergarh MP and Union minister Jual Oram dubbed it as equation for floor coordination only. "If they back us in fighting corruption and black money for the greater interest of the country, what is wrong if a new equation arises for floor coordination only? But, in practical purpose, there is no chance of any equation in the field of election" Oram said.
BJD also commented in similar style. "The general election is two and half years away and it's too early to say on any sort of understanding", BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said.
"CM has been appreciated for speaking his mind and his honest talk. It should not be linked to any other thing", he added.
Similarly, Excise minister Damodar Rout, who is also the vice-president of the regional party, said-"There is nothing wrong if BJD goes for any understanding with any party. But, now it will maintain equidistance from both BJP and Congress".
On the other hand Congress saw it as relation of co-wife. "BJP and BJD have a relation of co-wife. They were in a coalition earlier and now they are supporting each other internally. In future, they would also fight election together", Opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Odisha and Bihar CMs for openly backing Centre's stand on note ban while addressing BJP MPs in New Delhi.
"Many parties have remained away from us on ideological ground, but some them have openly supported us in our fight against corruption and black money. I am greatful to Odisha CM Naveen Babu and Bihar's Nitish Kumar", Modi said.