Bhubaneswar: Ruling BJD’s all-out effort to garner support of the Independent legislators to ensure party-supported Raghunath Mohapatra’s victory witnessed the much awaited result one day ahead of Rajya Sabha polls, after two Independent MLAs Jitu Patnaik and Braja Kishore Pradhan met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Thursday.
Emerging out of the meeting with the legislators, CM Naveen said, “I am delighted to welcome Shri Jitu Patnaik of Champua and Braja Kishore Pradhan of Talcher. Together we will work for the upliftment and development of the people of their areas and also the people of the state.”
Though speculation was rife that the two lawmakers, reportedly eyeing BJD tickets in the ensuing Assembly polls might join the BJD, the picture is still unclear.
“I will work as an associate member of the BJD. Besides, I have requested the CM for all out development of my area,” Pradhan told OTV.
MLA Jitu Patnaik too echoed a similar sentiment reiterating his stand on the interest of the state.
“Party hardly matters to me. I am with that party which is with the people of my area. I am delighted that the CM assured me to focus on the development of my constituency.”
When asked about his support for the fourth seat of the Rajya Sabha, he said: “Since BJD has backed Mohapatra, I will also extend my support for him.”
Political observers however maintain that the eminent sculptor, already backed by the ruling BJD still needs the support of 9 votes for a smooth sail to the Upper House, after getting the support of Patnaik, Pradhan and CPI’s Adikanda Sethy.
Notably, while BJD has only 18 surplus votes for Mohapatra, Congress-backed Ranjib Biswal is short of three votes only to meet the magic number 30.