'Ready To Agitate Against BJP If...': BJD Vows To Be 'Strong' Opposition To Centre In Rajya Sabha

Following a historic defeat in recent elections, Odisha's BJD declares a shift to a strong opposition role in the Rajya Sabha, ending its previous support for the BJP.

Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will act as a "vibrant and strong" Opposition in the Rajya Sabha during the current Parliament session.

This follows its defeat in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The Naveen Patnaik-led party lost all Lok Sabha seats and power to the BJP in the Assembly.

With nine Rajya Sabha members, BJD had been a "friendly ally" of the Narendra Modi-led government on some crucial occasions.

Photo Credit: PTI

Speaking about a meeting chaired by Patnaik, BJD's Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said, "This time, BJD MPs will not only speak out on issues but are also ready to agitate if the BJP-led government ignores Odisha's interest."

When asked if BJD will continue to support the BJP-led government as it did before, Patra said, "No more support to BJP, only opposition. We can go to any extent to protect Odisha's interest." He added that there was no scope for ambiguity.

For the first time since its formation in 1997, the BJD has failed to win a single Lok Sabha seat from Odisha. It is out of power in the state after 24 years, allowing the BJP to form its first-ever government there.

In the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the ruling NDA has 117 members, while the UPA has 80. There are 33 members from other parties and Independents, including nine each from BJD and YSRCP. There are also 10 vacancies of elected members and five nominated members.

The BJD, along with Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP, have been supporting BJP government in Rajya Sabha on crucial bills. This includes the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Whether Patnaik will extend similar support on national issues is doubtful given his party's latest stand.

The BJP had joined hands with TDP, Jagan Mohan Reddy's arch-rival, to unseat him from power in Andhra Pradesh. It remains to be seen how his party behaves in Rajya Sabha if TDP stays within the NDA fold.

Of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats that will soon be vacant, BJP holds seven, Congress two, and RJD one. At least six of these are likely to be retained by BJP. Passing ordinary legislations in Rajya Sabha may not be a challenge for NDA. However, it could have been easier had BJD continued its cooperation.