Exit Poll Impact In Odisha: Why Is BJD So Enthused ?

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the main opposition party in Odisha, appears to be quite enthusiastic after exit polls gave an edge to the Congress in Haryana and predicted that the Congress-National Conference alliance may be ahead in Jammu and Kashmir. While the poll results will be declared only on Tuesday, BJD seems to be enthused over the exit poll projections. Many feel that BJD is getting tilted towards INDI Alliance as some leaders have started praising the combine and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Senior BJD leader Debashish Samantaray has stated that INDI Alliance is getting stronger Congress will form government in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. He further said that Congress will also put up a good show in next elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra as the popularity of Rahul Gandhi is increasing. However, he clarified that their party will make the decision on whether BJD will join the alliance or not. His statement has sparked speculations about BJD moving towards INDI Alliance.

BJD Enthused Over Congress Coming To Power

As per exit polls conducted by several agencies, Congress is all set to return to power in Haryana, while the grand old party is likely to form government together with National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. While the exit poll results have brought good news for Congress, BJD leader Debashish Samantray has said all these amply show the mood of people in the country. He went on to state that Congress is all set to perform very well in the coming polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. He said the popularity of Rahul Gandhi and Congress is growing across the country.
Speaking in same vein, veteran BJD leader and former Minister Prasanna Acharya has said that India is moving forward while indirectly referring to INDI Alliance. Stating that elections will be held in two, or three other states after Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Acharya said people should wait and watch to know who is heading towards which place.

Debashish Had Hinted Earlier!

Debashish had earlier created a flutter in political circles when he spoke about joining hands with Congress to topple the BJP government in Odisha. Speaking at a party meeting at Kujang near Paradip, the Rajya Sabha member had stated, if necessary, BJD can join hands with Congress and form a new government in the state. Now, he has again showed enthusiasm after the exit polls predicted Congress victory in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Political analysts describe the recent development as a clear indication that BJD is getting inclined towards INDI Alliance and it holds political importance. As BJD is losing its importance in national politics, it may take an important decision regarding its future moves, they say.

Will BJD Tilt Towards Congress?

Amid the rapidly changing political scenario, observers wonder whether BJD will modify its strategy in coming days. The regional party has all along been claiming that it will maintain equal distance from both BJP and Congress. However, BJD has supported the BJP-led NDA on many occasions over different issues. The Naveen Patnaik-led party has supported several bills and other measures brought by NDA in Parliament despite not being a part of the BJP-led alliance. However, after its debacle in the last elections, the regional party seems to be speaking in different voice. While BJD has no member in Lok Sabha, its members have been opposing NDA in Rajya Sabha on various issues. Interestingly, two BJD members of Rajya Sabha recently resigned from the regional party and joined BJP. These developments further enraged the regional party. Observers are of the view that BJD may move towards the Congress-led INDI Alliance in view of the changing political scenario. Even if it does not become a part of the alliance, the regional party may extend outside support to INDI Alliance. They are of the opinion that BJD may modify its strategy taking into consideration the changing political configurations in the country as no one is considered a permanent friend or for in politics. No one is considered untouchable.