Presidential candidature: Tathagata questions BJD support to NDA, CM clarifies

Bhubaneswar: BJD MP Tathagata Satpathy has once again stirred a political storm by questioning party’s decision to extend support to NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the President’s post in public forum.

In his fresh editorial, Tathagata wrote that as BJP is one of its major opposition parties, BJD’s decision to support NDA candidate may affect party’s position in State.

Besides, there is possibility of opposition by Congress and several other political parties against NDA’s unilateral announcement of the candidature of Kovind for the coveted post.

Also Read:MP Tathagat Satpathy draws supporters’ ire for snubbing samiti member

Amidst this backdrop, if BJD immediately announces support for NDA candidate, “it will send a wrong message about BJD’s intention to fight against central apathy towards Odisha on issues like Mahanadi, Polavaram and stoppage of several schemes.

Even though the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has extended support to NDA’s Presidential candidate, our fight against Central negligence will continue, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clarified here on Tuesday.

Replying to a media question over Tathagat’s article,  Patnaik said even though the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has extended support to NDA’s Presidential candidate, the party’s fight against Central negligence will continue.

“NDA candidate is a distinguished scheduled caste person and the BJP had supported our candidature for Mr PA Sangma in the last Presidential election. BJD’s fight against central negligence will continue,” said Patnaik.