BJP to Contest Odisha Elections Independently, Says State President Manmohan Samal

Bhubaneswar: Dispelling speculations and putting an end to rumors of a possible alliance with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manmohan Samal, announced that the party would contest the upcoming elections independently in the state.

Upon his return from Delhi, Samal stated, “We will fight the elections alone in Odisha.” He clarified that there were no discussions regarding any alliance in the state during the party’s interactions with top leaders.

Addressing reporters, Samal emphasized that the focus of the discussions was on the strategies to form governments both at the central and state levels. This declaration comes amid ongoing speculation fueled by separate meetings held by senior leaders of both the BJP and the BJD in the state and national capitals.

Just two days ago, BJD leaders Debi Prasad Mishra and Arun Kumar Sahoo had hinted at the possibility of an alliance with the BJP. Mishra stated that the BJD, working in the interest of Odisha, would not hesitate to take necessary steps for the state’s benefit.

On the BJP side, senior leader and Member of Parliament Jual Oram, after attending a high-level meeting with BJP National President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, had suggested to reporters that discussions regarding a potential alliance in Odisha took place during the meeting.

The BJP’s decision to go solo in the upcoming elections in Odisha reflects a clear strategy by the party to assert its independent presence and contest the electoral battle on its own terms in the state.