Voters confused as suspense continues over BJP-BJD alliance | Bhubaneswar News – Times of India

BHUBANESWAR: The political landscape in Odisha continues to remain uncertain with no word on formation of a possible alliance between BJP and BJD, even as the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared four-phase dates for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state starting May 13.
None of the three major parties – BJP, BJD, and Congress – have announced any candidate for the 21 LS seats in Odisha and 147-member assembly, adding to the prevailing chaos.
This has left both party cadres and the general public confused.
Many ticket aspirants within BJP and BJD are losing sleep over the uncertain fate of the alliance, rather than focusing on their political engagements to connect with the people. “The momentum has been lost ever since the alliance talks began. Wherever I turn, people ask about whether our seat will be allocated to BJP or BJD,” lamented a BJD leader aspiring to contest for Vidhan Sabha. Perplexed voters are seeking clarity on the political situation after discussions started between the two parties 10 days ago. “There is ambiguity regarding whether the ruling BJD and opposition BJP are fighting against each other. How can I confidently cast my vote?” asked Manasi Sahoo (20), a first-time voter in Bhubaneswar.

Minutes before the poll dates were announced, chief minister Naveen Patnaik chaired a cabinet meeting and told his colleagues that Odisha will create a new milestone in Indian politics within a few months, with his statement reflecting his confidence to return to power for a record sixth term.
“In a few months, the people of Odisha are going to create a new record in the political history of this country. I always feel profoundly blessed and humbled by the intense faith of the people which also inspires me to work harder,” he said. If Naveen is voted back, he may become India’s longest-serving CM-a feat currently held by former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling.

State BJP president Manmohan Samal chaired a meeting of the party’s state election committee on Saturday, which was attended by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, to discuss party candidates. The BJP leaders, however, remained mum on its coalition plan.
The Congress, which had initially planned to announce candidates in the first week of March, has slowed down the process in anticipation of attracting leaders who might not secure tickets from BJP or BJD after the coalition is announced and may defect from their respective parties. Congress state president Sarat Pattanayak, however, said his party strategy has nothing to do with BJP-BJD plan “As people already know that the two parties are together, and Congress is the alternative to the combine.”