No Decision Yet On BJD, BJP Alliance In Odisha, Says Amit Shah

Bhubaneswar: Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Wednesday again fuelled speculation over possible alliance of his party with BJD in Odisha by saying that no decision has been taken yet.

“The BJP national president will take a decision on it,” Shah said replying to a question at Rising Bharat Summit, organised by TV channel News18, in New Delhi.

Shah asserted that the BJP will increase its seats in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha  in Odisha irrespective of alliance or not. “It is certain that we will increase our strength in Odisha. The affection that the people of Odisha have for Modiji is accepted by our workers with warmth and humility,” he said.

Shah, who on March 16, said PM Narendra Modi and BJP national president J P Nadda will take a final decision on the alliance matter, said if there is an alliance both parties will fight the polls together taking inspiration from the leadership of Biju Patnaik. “But in case there is no coalition the BJP will fight to form the government in the state,” he added.

The senior BJP leader said the BJD has been giving issue-based support to the BJP in Parliament in national interest. “That is the beauty of democracy,” he remarked.

Also Read: V K Pandian Adds New Twist To Odisha BJD, BJP ‘Alliance’ Tale; Know What He Says

Shah’s reactions came a day after BJD leader V K Pandian at the same conclave said the alliance talks between the two parties is not because of the political consideration of boosting numbers or making an impact on the electoral map. “Some things are beyond politics. I look at it as an attempt by two popular leaders to come together for a greater cause. This alliance has no electoral value for either BJP or BJP. It is between two individuals who share a great friendship,” he said.