BJP-BJD Alliance For Lok Sabha, Assembly Elections In Odisha? Here's What We Know So Far

The BJP is likely to contest on 11-12 Lok Sabha seats, while the BJD may contest on 9-10 seats as the two parties are working on a seat sharing deal in Odisha, according to some media reports.

Additionally, discussions are reportedly revolving around BJD contesting on 98 to 105 Assembly constituencies, with the BJP contesting on the remaining seats.

However, there is no official announcement regarding the talks between the two parties.

The development comes amid Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s close aide V K Pandian's recent statement where he stated, “How I put it... there are something beyond politics. It’s a mark of great statesmanship. That’s how I put it. That two great leaders wanting to come together for a greater cause. It has nothing to do with politics. And even the chief minister thinks that way".

Pandian has said the BJD doesn’t need BJP to form the government in the state nor does BJP require BJD to form the government in the Centre.

“It is to do with two individuals who have great friendship and they see something beyond politics,” he said.

On the current status of the alliance, Pandian had said, “If anything happens, we will all get to know.”

Also, Home minister Amit Shah had recently said PM Modi and BJP president JP Nadda were yet to take a call on the proposed alliance.

Speaking on whether he is Naveen’s political successor, Pandian said, “I don’t think I should answer this. People of Odisha will answer it".

"I succeed his values, I succeed his hard work.... Politics can come later on," he added.

Also Read: BJP And JD(S) Finalise Seat-Sharing Deal In Karnataka For Lok Sabha Elections: Report