Congress' Anand Sharma alleges match-fixing between BJD, BJP

Bhubaneswar: The war of words between the BJP and the Congress over BJD's support to NDA candidate for the deputy chairman post of Rajya Sabha continued on Monday with Congress leader Anand Sharma alleging 'match-fixing' between the ruling-BJD in Odisha and the BJP.

Sharma said that the saffron party will not get enough seats in Odisha, West Bengal and Assam in the ensuing general elections and hence to form government at the Centre, it might seek Naveen's support.

Besides, he alleged that the BJP is putting pressure on the BJD (through CBI) forcing CM Naveen to extend support to the NDA.

"Why does the Odisha Chief Minister, who tells his party is anti-BJP always supports the saffron party? What is the reason behind this show off? There is 'match-fixing' between both the parties," said Sharma.

Responding to the allegations, senior BJD leader Rabi Narayan Nanda said that Sharma's allegations are just baseless.

Meanwhile, some media reports claimed that BJD supported the BJP as it expects approval for the Legislative Council in the State as 'return-gift'.

However, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, "We have repeatedly said that our support was not for the NDA candidate, it was for the JD (U)."

BJD has always maintained equidistance from the BJP and the Congress and it will continue to do so, Patra added.

On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra rubbished allegations of any understanding with the BJD and said that those who are making such claims should come out with evidence.