Will ‘Feedback’ From Governor Raghubar Das Shape BJP-BJD Alliance In Odisha?

Bhubaneswar: Amid suspense over alliance talks between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, the visit of Governor Raghubar Das to New Delhi appears to have sparked speculations in political circles in the state.

As negotiations between the two political parties seemed to have encountered roadblocks, observers are trying to figure out whether feedback from the Governor could play a role in the formation of any possible electoral tie-up. Himself a seasoned politician, Das happened to be the Chief Minister of politically-sensitive Jharkhand.

While top leaders of the state BJP are camping in the national capital amid uncertainties over the outcome of alliance talks with BJD, the Governor also visited New Delhi. Though his visit is described as of routine nature, political analysts consider it highly significant as it came ahead of the simultaneous twin elections in the state. Many claim that Das has been called to Delhi. It is also stated that he probably presented feedback on BJP’s position at the grassroots level in the state to the central leadership.

While the twin elections are fast approaching, both BJD and BJP camps in the state appear to be maintaining an unusual silence. Their silence seems to have given credence to the possibility of an electoral understanding between the two parties for the upcoming polls. Senior leaders of BJP, including state party president Manmohan Samal and party’s election in-charge for Odisha Vijaypal Singh Tomar, rushed to Delhi on their second visit two days ago. They have been holding marathon meetings with top central leaders. The whole exercise has stirred growing speculations about the likelihood of the two parties hammering out an alliance.

While state BJP leaders claim to have spoken against forging any alliance and going it solo in the upcoming elections during their meetings with central leaders, the party is keen to make an objective assessment of the ground situation. State leaders are stated to be not in a position to state the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats where BJP has the potential to emerge victorious. They are reportedly unable to present a proper picture at the grassroots level before the central leaders.

As a result, the central BJP leadership has been holding several rounds of discussions to assess the ground reality. In the midst of the whole exercise, the Government has undertaken a visit to Delhi.

Political analysts consider the Governor’s Delhi tour quite significant as it came amid alliance talks. During his visit to the national capital, Das met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday. The meeting between the two is considered significant in view of upcoming elections.

The Governor is reported to have presented his views on alliance to the central BJP leadership. Observers are of the opinion that his views are likely to be of immense help in giving a proper shape to any form of electoral alliance. They point out that Governor Das has been undertaking intensive tours of different parts of the state over the last few months.

Apart from making a thorough assessment of the ground situation at the grassroots, he has also been keeping the central leaders informed of the situation in the state. He has also raked up several irregularities and lack of facilities in different parts of the state. Though senior party leaders are now tight-lipped, the Governor has expressed his own views on alliance and his assessment is likely to play a major role in BJP’s decision.