Naveen Patnaik rules out supporting Congress, BJP government at Centre

Bhubaneswar, Apr 8 (ANI): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today ruled out supporting Congress or BJP-led government at the Centre after the general elections.

Addressing an election meeting along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, Patnaik said he was happy with the seat-sharing arrangement reached between the three parties for Lok Sabha polls in Orissa.

The BJD chief said the ties with the BJP ended because of the communal violence in the state, especially the Kandhamal district, and the 'unreasonable demands' made by it during seat-sharing talks.

NCP leader Pawar praised the BJD Government for breaking its ties with the BJP.

Yechury said that the three parties had come together to offer an alternative government.

Earlier in the day, Pawar accused the ruling BJD's erstwhile partner BJP of "trying to spread disharmony by using the government" in the state.

"Communal forces wanted to use the state government to pursue their nefarious designs in Orissa which was known for peace and harmony," Pawar said.

The leaders of the NCP and BJD today addressed election meetings at Chandikhole, Languleswar, Bhandaripokhari and state capital Bhubaneswar. (ANI)