Odisha BJP legislature party to elect Leader of Opposition tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: With 23 MLAs in the State Assembly, the BJP Legislature party which has emerged as the second largest party in the State after the 2019 elections, will elect the Leader of Opposition in the House tomorrow.

Sources said, Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra and Bhawanipatna MLA Pradipta Naik are believed to be frontrunners for the coveted post.

Asked about his prospects, Jaynarayan said that he is ready to take up the whatever responsibility the party bestows on him.

"Till now, neither I have been asked anything nor have given any opinion in connection with the LoP election. I am completely fit to perform any duty in case the party wants me to carry out," said Jayanarayan.

Similarly, Bhawanipatna MLA Pradipta Naik said, "If the party takes a decision unanimously and asks me to occupy the post, I am ready for that."

Meanwhile, Congress Jatni MLA Suresh Routray alleged that BJD and BJP are working hand in glove. The saffron party has lost the credibility to be called as the Opposition party. Instead Congress will play the role of an opposition in the State Assembly.

"Both BJD and BJP are enemies outside and friends inside. BJD's birth itself is from BJP. So how will the saffron party work as an opposition party. With the Navagrahas (nine elected MLAs), Congress will play the role of a true opposition party and present the issues of people in the Assembly," said Routray.