Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik’s Delhi visit appears to have generated considerable heat in Odisha politics. Observers are wondering as to why did Naveen, who is the Leader of Opposition (LoP), decided to visit Delhi while the Assembly is in session. His tour is being linked by some to the arrest of BJD leader Raja Chakra in a multi-crore scam. Many want to know whether the BJD, which adopted a policy of equidistance, is now leaning towards the India alliance. Naveen’s nod to attend a meeting of INDI block on delimitation on March 22 at the invitation of DMK leaders and his support for the Congress in the assembly are being cited as possible indications pointing to this. Analysts wonder whether BJD is now moving towards a new equation. They also want to know if Naveen is in bargaining mode to maintain old relations.
Bargaining for Raja Chakra!
BJD leader Raja Chakra has been arrested in the Gandhamardan Mine Loading Agency corruption case. Raja is accused of being involved in a multi-crore loading and transportation scam. Raja is said to have connections with many BJD heavyweights. There is even talk that corruption in Keonjhar mining operations had reached the office of the former Chief Minister. Therefore, it is said that Naveen has probably gone to Delhi to make a deal after Raja Chakra was arrested. After BJD’s defeat in the elections last year, it may be difficult for the regional party to regain its trust over the issue of corruption.
Support for Congress, yes to DMK
BJD has been claiming about maintaining equal distance from both BJP and Congress. However, BJD was seen leaning towards the party in power at the centre. For the last 10 years, BJD has supported the NDA government at the centre in times of trouble. It has supported the passage of important bills in Parliament and stood with BJP against the opposition’s no-confidence motion. BJD also supported BJP’s Ashwini Vaishnaw in the election to Rajya Sabha. However, there is talk of changing political equation. BJD recently protested the suspension of Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati from the Assembly for a week. Meanwhile, Naveen has agreed to attend the meeting called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on March 22.
If not deal, may be a big decision!
Naveen’s Delhi visit has become a major topic for discussion in the state. While political equations are changing fast over the issue of delimitation, BJD has been facing growing uncertainty after its defeat in the last elections. It is said that Naveen may have gone to Delhi to do some bargaining at such a critical moment. After its poll debacle, BJD may face bigger challenges if it fails to adopt a proper strategy as a regional party and fight effectively. Therefore, BJD may enter into a deal with the central leaders of NDA and continue to attack the BJP government in the state superficially for its survival. However, if this happens, the existence of BJD may be in danger. Some feel that Naveen may meet the Congress high command and make a big deal.
It is difficult to predict what will be the next move of a shrewd politician like Naveen. It is also said that the BJP government is yet to lay its hand on BJD heavyweights because of an understanding with the regional party. However, the arrest of Raja Chakra may have raised concerns about the possible link. Therefore, Naveen may throw the ball into the BJP court and remain in wait-and-watch mode. The BJP also wants the BJD to be the number two party in Odisha as the Congress can be a big threat to the saffron party. In such a situation, Naveen’s visit to Delhi is pointing towards a new strategy.
