As talks with BJD progress, BJP cadre expresses concerns
Despite sources from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) indicating significant progress in alliance talks, BJP cadre in Odisha is still struggling to come to terms with the impending outcome.
A section of the local BJP leaders feel the party will unnecessarily shoulder the burden of antiincumbency accrued from 24 years of BJD rule in Odisha despite it expending much effort to rebuild itself after the breakup of the alliance in 2009.
On Sunday, a delegation led by State BJP president Manmohan Samal rushed to New Delhi after being summoned by central leadership, possibly to attend a meeting to discuss the proposed alliance and seat sharing. “We are going to New Delhi to discuss the preparations made for fighting the Lok Sabha polls,” he said.
Political experts in Odisha suggested that the statements from Mr. Samal and some other State BJP leaders claiming ignorance about alliance talks might simply be an effort to offset the growing discontent among the grassroots level cadres, as aspirants of both parties remain uncertain of chances of contesting the election.
“Although we have worked hard to rise from the third position to the principal Opposition since 2009, there is possibility of the BJP being branded as a ruling party if the alliance is approved by the central leadership. The natural advantage of fighting the election against 24 years of incumbency would be lost,” said a BJP aspirant from Sambalpur district.
If the alliance takes place, BJP leaders and workers would be forced to defend the policies and actions of BJD government, which they were critical of for the past 15 years. It will be a tricky situation to be in, added a BJP worker.