Bhubaneswar, 06 March (H.S.): Odisha’s Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta on Friday alleged that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has joined hands with the Indian National Congress in an attempt to safeguard its political position in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, the minister claimed that the BJD’s political standing has weakened in recent times and that the party is gradually losing ground.

“BJD has aligned with the Congress to protect its position. This is a matter of political convenience. The party’s situation is not good at present and it is steadily declining,” Samanta said.

He further alleged that the BJD was seeking support from the Congress as it was facing a difficult political phase. “The BJD’s boat is sinking, and therefore it has taken the support of the Congress. It is an opportunistic party that stands with whoever it finds convenient,” he remarked.

The minister also asserted that despite any understanding between the two parties, their ideologies and principles could never truly align.

Expressing confidence over the Rajya Sabha elections, Samanta said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had already secured victory and would continue to emerge successful in the contest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda