BJP Member of Parliament (MP) from Odisha's Sundergarh, Jual Oram, on Saturday (August 5) stated that there is no possibility of an alliance with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state. Oram asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the upcoming elections independently and make all efforts to form the government in Odisha. The statement comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Odisha BJP leaders in Bhubaneswar, along with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"There is no chance. The BJP will run alone in the election and make every effort to form a government," Jual Oram was heard saying in a video posted by news agency PTI.
Earlier in the day, Shah and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik jointly inaugurated and laid the groundwork for several development projects in Bhubaneswar, including the widening and strengthening of the Moter-Banner-Ladugaon road in Kalahandi district, and the four-laning of the Kamakshyanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-53 on EPC (Procurement and Construction).
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik were among the dignitaries present at the event.
During his speech, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik outlined the state's development plans, stating that they hope to build 6,500 kilometres of road and 300 bridges this year. He also emphasised the recent completion of two airports, expressing gratitude to the Government of India for its assistance in achieving the state's development agenda.
Amit Shah's visit to Odisha spans two days, starting with paying tribute to Gopinath Bordoloi on his death anniversary. While addressing the event, Shah praised Bordoloi, the first Chief Minister of Assam, for his significant contribution to integrating the Northeast region as an integral part of India.
In a subsequent closed-door meeting, Shah met with newly appointed BJP state office bearers to discuss the party's preparations and strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in 2024.