Bhubaneswar, June 24: A fresh political war of words erupted in Odisha on Tuesday after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that several leaders from opposition parties were eager to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), prompting a strong rebuttal from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Addressing the media, Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal asserted that a number of leaders from both the BJD and Congress had shown interest in becoming part of the NDA. However, he clarified that the BJP leadership had not yet taken a decision on whether to induct them into the alliance.
“The interest is there from several opposition leaders, but the party will decide at the appropriate time,” Samal said.
Adding to the political speculation, BJP MP Pradeep Purohit claimed that the BJD could witness an internal split within the next two months, suggesting growing discontent within the regional party.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from the BJD, which accused the BJP of attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues, particularly concerns related to law and order in the state.
BJD leaders rejected the BJP’s assertions, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at creating confusion rather than addressing governance-related challenges.
The exchange of statements has intensified the political atmosphere in Odisha, with both parties engaging in a battle of narratives ahead of key political developments in the state.
