Dharmendra hints at new political equation in Odisha

ONI Bureau: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has hinted at a new political alternative in Odisha, saying BJP would bring all other smaller parties together to dethrone Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state.

Dharmendra’s statement has triggered a big buzz in Odisha’s volatile political scenario, which is charged up aftermath Dr. Damodar Rout’s expulsion from BJD for anti-party activities. Damodar Rout has levelled a series of corruption activities in various government departments.

It is being speculated that Dr. Rout, Baijayant Panda, Braja Tripathy, Panchanan Kanungo, Prafulla Ghadei, Jagneswar Babu and a few others would join hands to float a new political outfit and could support BJP as they have a common goal to end Naveen era in Odisha, which has been going on for the last 18 years.Although they were keen to bring Bijoy Mohapatra and Dilip Ray on board, it looks quite unlikely as these leaders are upset within BJP and could quit anytime.

Even today, Naveen looks invincible. It would be interesting to see whether he could be challenged by BJP + a new regional party or not.