Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What makes BJD-BJP 'friendly fight' talk of the town?

A file photo of PM Narendra Modi with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

With the camaraderie between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strengthening, the regional party has announced grand celebrations to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, father of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, scheduled for March 5. Significantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to deliver a public address in Jajpur district on the same day.

Electoral Strategies Cement BJP-BJD Relationship

The harmonious relationship between the BJP and the BJD has become increasingly evident, particularly following the recent Rajya Sabha elections. During the electoral process, the BJD opted not to nominate a third candidate, effectively securing the victory of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, despite having sufficient numerical strength to field another contender. Political analysts suggest that the BJD's decision to back Vaishnaw's candidacy was justified within the context of broader state interests, indicating a strategic alignment between the two political entities.

With 22 MLAs, the BJP required the support of an additional 15 legislators to ensure the victory of Vaishnaw. Despite having 108 MLAs in the 147-member House and the ability to win all three seats, the BJD opted to allocate the seat to the BJP. This decision is significant given that the BJP remains the primary rival of the BJD in the state.

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BJD's Support for BJP Adds Intrigue Ahead of LS Polls

The timing of this decision has added an extra layer of mystery to the already intriguing relationship between the two parties, especially as it comes just before they are set to clash in the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April-May, followed by the state elections before June. Furthermore, during an event where PM Modi laid the foundation for an airport, Patnaik expressed confidence that Modi would still be in office when the project is completed and inaugurated, further enveloping the dynamics of their association.

Strategic Move for Cordial Centre-State Relations

Political experts interpret the BJD's choice to back the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections as a tactical move aimed at fostering a harmonious relationship with the Centre. Plus, the strategic collaboration could potentially yield dividends for the regional party in terms of accessing central funds or garnering support for state-specific projects.

Growing Affinity Reflects Dynamics in Rajya Sabha

Furthermore, the growing affinity between the two parties mirrors the trend of the BJD often aligning with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led coalition faces numerical hurdles, particularly on crucial issues. There is one school of thought that believes that this dynamic stands in contrast to the BJP's rise as the primary challenger to the BJD in practical terms. It remains interesting to witness whether this friendship between the two parties endures. On a positive note, the saffron party's recent approach appears to be more conciliatory compared to its previous aggressive campaigns in the state.

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BJD's Endorsement Showcases Strengthening Bond with BJP

To substantiate the growing friendship between the two parties, it is important to highlight that the BJD's endorsement follows PM Modi's recent visit to Odisha. During the visit, both Modi and Patnaik shared a platform, with the PM publicly acknowledging Patnaik as his 'friend'. In response, Patnaik commended Modi for his efforts in charting a new economic trajectory for India. This exchange significantly emphasises the bolstering bond between the BJP and the BJD.

BJD's Past Collaboration with BJP

In 2019, bureaucrat-turned-politician Vaishnaw secured his first election to the upper House with the backing of the BJD in a by-election held immediately after the general elections. During that period, Patnaik had announced his support for Vaishnaw following reported telephone discussions with Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, on this occasion, Patnaik has refrained from commenting on receiving any formal request from the BJP's top leadership.

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Between 2000 and 2009, the BJD-BJP coalition held power in the state. However, Patnaik severed ties prior to the 2009 general elections, prompted by the anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal in 2008. Under Patnaik's leadership, the BJD has maintained its dominance in the state for the last 24 years, while the BJP has sidelined the Congress to emerge as the principal opposition force.

BJP Strength in Western Region Gives Advantage in LS Polls

In the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the BJP may enjoy an advantage in its strongholds in the western region. Political experts are of the view that it is not in a position to pose a serious challenge to the BJD in the assembly elections, primarily due to the lack of a prominent state-level figure within the saffron party.

Patnaik's Wide Support Base, Welfare Schemes Bolster BJD

Patnaik retains extensive support, and his administration has rolled out a series of welfare schemes targeting diverse demographics. Furthermore, if an understanding is reached between the BJD and the BJP, it could deter defections to the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.