Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Tuesday said the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress may enter into a "tactful understanding" to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in Odisha in 2019 elections.
He, however, said it will have no impact on BJP's poll prospects.
"Both BJD and Congress could enter into a tactful understanding to keep BJP out of power in Odisha. They have also tacit understanding. Since the leaders of both parties are involved in chit fund, mining and other scams, these factors will give them the opportunity to come together to bail out each other," said Oram.
Reacting to the allegations, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik said instead, the BJD and the BJP have tacit understanding in the state.
"BJD and BJP's internal understanding is evident from the fact that Naveen Patnaik is not attending Karnataka Chief Minister's oath-taking ceremony while chief ministers of all non-BJP states are attending the event," said Niranjan.
To buttress his point, he also said that the two parties were alliance partners for nine years in the state.
On the other hand, the BJD said it has maintained equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress.
"BJP is in a state of shock after Karnataka verdict and Union Minister Jual Oram's remarks are its after-effects. BJP is searching for ways to save its skin from the fear of defeat in 2019," said BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra.
He said the Odisha Chief Minister has already clarified that BJD will maintain equal distance from both parties.
--IANS
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