Bhubaneswar: The upcoming presidential election is seemingly dividing the country’s political landscape into distinct quarters with an anti-BJP front beginning to take shape. After JD (U) confirmed of Nitish Kumar’s discussions with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, senior leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) DP Tripathy has also indicated that plans are afoot to develop a consensus among non-NDA parties to join hands.
“Not only regional parties but also national parties want that a common candidate should be fielded for the post of president. Discussions are being held with Sonia Gandhi, Sitaram Yechuri, Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik, Mamata Banerjee among others,” said Tripathy while talking to OTV.
Odisha CM and BJD chief who will also play a key role in deciding the presidential candidate in July, is on a 5-day visit to Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog meeting. It is being speculated that Naveen is likely to meet some leaders of other parties during his stay in Delhi with regards to the presidential poll.
However, with the BJD staying equidistant from the NDA as well as the UPA, suspense prevails as to whom the BJD will lend its support.
Also Read: Nitish in touch with Naveen on Presidential election: JD(U)
There are no plans for that as of now, clarified Naveen.
When the time is right, we will give the right answers, said BJD spokesperson, Suryanarayan Patra.
On the other hand, BJP’s national secretary Suresh Pujari said, “Opposition parties like NCP are only on the lookout for a chance to do exactly the opposite of what BJP is doing. The candidate that will be named by the BJP-led NDA will definitely emerge winner.”