Naveen Patnaik Opens Up On Poll Alliance, Says 'BJD Ready For Post Poll Alliance With Any Political Party Who Works For Odisha'

Bhubaneswar, April 21: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday expressed willingness for an open post-poll alliance with any political party who works for the development of the state. While answering ANI's question on supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if the saffron party fails to achieve majority figure, Patnaik said, “Any party or coalition who supports the development and the just claims of Odisha will have our support.” Odisha Assembly Elections 2019 Schedule: Polling for All 147 Seats in four phases, Counting of Votes on May 23.

The Odisha chief minister also cleared that his interest is to stay here and see to the state's development and welfare and have no national ambitions. On being asked about the ideology of parties seeking the support of the BJP, the Odisha CM said, “Ideology of all parties is democratic, but I do want them to support Odisha’s claim.” Odisha Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Schedule: Constituency-Wise Dates Of Voting And Results For General Elections.

Patnaik also rejected reports of anti-incumbency playing a key role in the ongoing elections. He stated, “In every election, our numbers are increasing and not decreasing.” The Odisha CM is contesting assembly polls from two seats – Hinjli nad Bijepur.

Odisha is going for Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously in the first four phases. In the 16th Lok Sabha, the BJP has 18 MPs in the lower house. Meanwhile, in the 2014 assembly election, the BJD retained power by winning 117 seats in the 147-seat assembly. Meanwhile, the Congress bagged 16 seats, whereas, the BJP managed to win only 10 seats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 21, 2019 08:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).