BJP suggests solo run in Lok Sabha, Odisha Assembly elections amid stalled talks with BJD on seat allocation

BJP hints at contesting upcoming Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly polls alone as talks with BJD over seat sharing hit a dead end. Both parties failed to reach an agreement, with the BJP indicating it's prepared for independent contesting in all constituencies.

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As discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) hit a standstill over seat sharing, the BJP contemplates its stance for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections. With talks failing to yield a consensus, the BJP hints at the possibility of contesting the elections independently, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Odisha.

The BJP, led by state president Manmohan Samal, recently returned to Bhubaneswar from the national capital, where discussions were held regarding the party's preparations for the impending polls. Despite efforts to negotiate with central leaders, talks with the BJD regarding alliance and seat sharing remained inconclusive. Samal emphasized that no discussions on alliance or seat distribution took place during the meetings in Delhi, underscoring the party's readiness to go to polls alone.

Sources familiar with the negotiations reveal that hurdles emerged primarily over the allocation of seats. While both parties initially agreed to a pre-poll alliance, differences arose concerning the distribution of constituencies. The BJD's demand for a significant share of assembly seats was met with resistance from the BJP, leading to a deadlock in negotiations.

In the outgoing assembly, the BJD holds a majority with 114 members and initially sought 112 seats during discussions with the BJP. However, the BJP deemed this allocation unacceptable, asserting that such a distribution would adversely affect the party's prospects in the state. Similarly, the BJP's request for a considerable portion of Lok Sabha seats was rejected by the BJD, further complicating the negotiations.

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Despite the impasse, both parties have refrained from disclosing the outcomes of their discussions. While the BJP expresses confidence in its ability to contest the elections independently, the BJD remains silent regarding its next course of action. The situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding the formation of alliances and seat distribution, setting the stage for a potentially contentious electoral battle in Odisha.

The standoff between the BJP and BJD marks a significant development in the state's political landscape, with implications for the upcoming polls. As preparations intensify and alliances remain uncertain, the electorate awaits clarity on the political alliances and candidates vying for their votes. With the elections drawing closer, the political dynamics in Odisha are poised for a transformation, influenced by the outcome of the ongoing negotiations and the strategies adopted by the contesting parties.