After extensive talks held in Bhubaneswar and Delhi, it has been decided that the BJP will contest all 21 Lok Sabha constituencies and 147 Assembly seats independently during the upcoming simultaneous elections.
Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal conveyed on Friday that while the party appreciates the support extended by the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD to the BJP government at the Centre during crucial junctures, there are significant disagreements on various issues concerning the welfare of the Odia people, such as Odia pride and glory.
Although the BJD has not officially responded to Samal’s statement as of Friday evening, party leaders have indicated their readiness to contest the elections independently. A senior BJP leader familiar with the situation in Odisha mentioned that the decision to contest solo was made after careful assessment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leadership, who observed a favorable wave in support of Modi.
The initiative for an alliance reportedly stemmed from the BJD's side, with efforts to capitalize on the rapport between PM Modi and Naveen Patnaik, facilitated by Patnaik’s aide V K Pandian. However, the talks ultimately faltered due to disagreements over the allocation of Assembly seats.
The central BJP initially appeared open to the idea of an alliance with the BJD, contrasting with resistance from the state unit. With the BJP's growing influence in the state, particularly surpassing the Congress to become the clear second party, Odisha BJP leaders argued against the necessity of forming an alliance and relinquishing the opposition space.
Ultimately, discussions hit a roadblock over the allocation of Assembly seats. While the BJD aimed to contest a significant portion of the 147 Assembly seats, the BJP insisted on a lesser number, leading to the breakdown of talks.
