Why Does BJP Need Naveen Patnaik’s BJD In Odisha In LS Polls 2024? The Answer Is In The Equations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during the inauguration and foundation stone laying of various projects at Chandikhol, in Jajpur district on March 5, 2024. Photo: PTI

There is a lot of buzz around Naveen Patnaik led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) making a ‘ghar wapsi’ to the BJP-led NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. On this day in 2009, the 7th of March, the BJD had broken its alliance with the BJP due to differences over seat-sharing. However, despite being out of the NDA, the BJD has over the last 10 years supported the BJP in passing key bills in both Houses of Parliament, especially in the Rajya Sabha where it lacks a majority.  If the