Why is Naveen Patnaik's BJD 'Forging Alliance' with BJP After 15 Years?

The concept of 'Rising Odisha' appears to be at the forefront as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) contemplates "forging an alliance" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Sources indicated that the BJD, led by Naveen Patanaik, seeks funds for various projects in Odisha, with hopes that a "double engine government" will aid the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent event in Chandikhole, Jajpur district, highlighted the timely completion of projects under the BJP-led Centre, contrasting it with the lack of progress in previous governments.

While there hasn't been a formal announcement of a pre-poll alliance, both parties held extensive meetings—BJD leaders convened at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar, while BJP leaders met in the national capital—to discuss election strategies, including a potential alliance.

Although BJD's vice-president and MLA Debi Prasad Mishra acknowledged discussions about a possible alliance, no explicit confirmation was given.

Stressing Odisha's progress under Naveen Patnaik's leadership, Mishra emphasized the need to elevate the state's development further.

A press release issued by Mishra and BJD's senior general secretary Arun Kumar Sahoo indicated extensive discussions regarding the strategy for the upcoming elections under Naveen Patnaik's leadership.

Following a meeting presided over by BJP president JP Nadda, senior BJP leader and MP Jual Oram admitted to discussions about a pre-poll alliance with the BJD. However, he stated that the final decision would rest with the party's central leadership.