1. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) gears up for Odisha elections with discussions on potential candidates.
2. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik engages with leaders from eight Lok Sabha seats.
3. Preparations continue despite ongoing talks about possible alliances.
Bhubaneswar, March 22: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming elections in Odisha, with discussions underway for potential candidates in various Lok Sabha constituencies.
Leaders from eight Lok Sabha seats have already held consultations with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, accompanied by party observers. These efforts continue despite speculation about possible alliances, with Home Minister Amit Shah and Patnaik’s aide, V. K. Pandian, not ruling out the possibility.
The BJP’s state unit has taken a more aggressive stance, demanding the removal of hoardings featuring the Odisha CM’s photographs, marking a shift in their approach.
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The BJD has completed discussions for constituencies like Puri, Kendrapara, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Aska, Bhubaneswar, and Kandhamal.
Party leaders have been directed to mobilize support for both assembly and Lok Sabha elections, focusing on local factors, candidates, and potential adversaries in each constituency.
Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik is being considered for the Puri Lok Sabha seat, while discussions on other candidates are ongoing.
Meanwhile, a BJP delegation has raised concerns with the State’s Chief Electoral Officer regarding the continued display of hoardings featuring the BJD’s symbol and the CM’s photograph in public places, citing violations of the model code of conduct.
While BJP leaders have hinted at the possibility of reviving alliances, decisions are yet to be finalized by the party’s national leadership.
