Union Minister Jual Oram today claimed that BJP is now a party of opportunities for Odisha politicians as a number of senior leaders of both BJD and Congress, including some sitting MPs and MLAs have expressed their interest to join it.
"The senior leaders of both BJD and Congress are in constant touch with the BJP central leadership. They see a possibility in the BJP, particularly after its victory in four states including Uttar Pradesh," Oram told PTI.
Refusing to divulge the names of the sitting MPs and MLAs belonging to BJD itnterested to join BJP, the union tribal affairs minister said "I cannot take their names now. We meet regularly in central hall, in Parliamant and other places and exchange words."
BJD and Congress leaders interested to join BJP also included many former MPs and ex-MLAs, he said claiming that the BJP's accepibility has increased in Odisha after its performance in the recently concluded zilla parishad polls.
"The politicians who want to work for the people but are denied opportunities for different reasons now feel that BJP is the only place where they can serve the masses without any fear," Oram said.
Asked whether BJP was destabilising other political parties, particularly BJD, he said "BJP does not break (any party). The people want to join us. Politicians in general always seek opportunities to work freely and they find BJP a better platform."
Reacting to this, BJD spokesman P K Deb said "There is no truth in the union minister's version. He is making irresponsible statement. No BJD MP or MLA is joining them. We are united."
Deb also alleged that BJP leaders are making such statements without any reason. "Earlier, before 2014 general election they (BJP) had made such false campaign, but failed in their bid to break BJD.
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