Bhubaneswar: Rajya Sabha candidature of incumbent Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw by BJP, backed by Odisha’s ruling BJD, has irked the Congress leaders who have alleged an unholy nexus between both the parties and highlighted that the charade of equidistant façade is now over.
In an ‘X’ post, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Sarat Patnaik, said, “The unholy nexus between BJD & BJP stands exposed as BJD supports BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate. Odisha deserves better than this backroom deal. Congress is the only true alternative committed to the state’s progress and people’s welfare.
“ODISHA BETRAYED! BJD backing of BJP Rajya Sabha candidate lays bare their secret pact. It’s time for Odisha to reject this connivance and embrace the real voice of change – Congress. Let’s put an end to this political opportunism and usher in genuine development,” the OPCC Chief wrote in another post.
Former OPCC President, Niranjan Patnaik also took to the microblogging site “X” and wrote, “Time’s up for BJD’s “equidistant” facade! The charade is over; BJD is BJP. A BJP MP is also a BJD MP, the truth is crystal clear. Odisha deserves truthful representation, not a deceptive political game!
AICC Incharge for Odisha, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, Dr. Ajoy Kumar, in an “X” post wrote, “BJP-BJD bonhomie! The ‘Tactical Larger plan’ of the two erstwhile ‘married alliance’ is on the move! ‘BJD always backed BJP’ Now the Odias understand why CBI- ED never conducted a raid on the CM and his close aide Mr Pandian even though the state witnessed ‘Massive Scams’.”
This morning, BJP named Ashwini Vaishnaw’s candidature for Rajya Sabha from Odisha, and minutes after CM Naveen Patnaik extended support. BJD has the required strength to win all 3 Odisha seats but Odisha CM decided to support the candidature of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw “for the larger interest of State’s Railways and Telecom Development” in the ensuing Election to Rajya Sabha – 2024. Vaishnaw will go to Rajya Sabha from Odisha for the second consecutive time uncontested.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today arrived in Odisha on a two-day visit. “I am a disciplined worker of the BJP. I want to express my gratitude and thank the party leadership and PM Modi for giving me an opportunity to serve once again,” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told media persons on his arrival at Bhubaneswar airport this noon.
In the meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP and BJD’s National Spokesperson Manas Ranjan Mangaraj also posted on ‘X’, “There is no compromise with Odisha’s interest. Development must continue in a federal structure with cooperative federalism. This is the reason why Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik decided to extend support to Hon’ble Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for Rajya Sabha in the larger interest of State’s Railways and Telecom Development.”
