[Watch] Odisha BJD MP Sasmit Patra All Praise For PM Modi’s Ukraine Visit

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra, who has severely criticised several steps taken by the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, on Friday hailed the Prime Minister’s ongoing visit to war-torn Ukraine as a significant step for India.

India would be able to elevate its position as a mediator in the war to ensure world peace with the PM’s visit to Ukraine, the BJD MP told ANI.

“The visit of PM Modi to Ukraine is extremely important as a few days ago he had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin…The visit today will help restore the sense of balance and also lead to India being considered a nation that is focused on ensuring peace and tranquillity in the region,” he said, adding that by this visit, India can continue to become a major force which will ensure world peace.

The BJD MP further stated: “A few days back he (the PM) was with Russia and a meeting with them, with that the United State has made some mention. So, the visit would help restore the sense of balance. Apart from this, it would lead India to be considered as a nation that is focussed on ensuring peace and tranquillity in the region.”

BJD MP’s remark comes when party facing switchovers

Naveen Patnaik-led BJD, which had once maintained cordial relationship with the BJP in Parliament and provided ‘issue-based support’ to the party, was seen opposing the NDA government’s policies in Rajya Sabha after the 2024 poll debacle. The party drew a blank in Lok Sabha polls and also lost its majority in the state legislative assembly.

The party president had also declared that it would be a ‘strong and vibrant’ opposition in the Parliament.  Amid such situation, Patra’s appreciation of PM’s Ukraine visit stands as an exception in the recent times.

Moreover, such an appreciation comes at a time when the BJD is apparently facing the threat of ‘Operation Lotus’ by the BJP. Last Tuesday, BJP announced that former BJD MP Mamata Mohanta—who has jumped the ship— as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-poll in Odisha. The by-poll was necessitated as she resigned from the Upper House of Parliament as a BJD MP. The BJD, currently, has 8 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.