New Equation: BJD inches closer to BJP at Centre

At the International Conference on India & The Indian Ocean, the focus was on the bonhomie between Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Sushma heaped praise on Naveen on taking the state towards finding a place on the global map. And, Naveen was smiling.

The Odisha BJP leaders may be fuming within, but BJD has already made its intent clear by supporting the centre on the issue of Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

The same BJD had protested against the bill two weeks ago and brought several amendments. However, after the secret meeting between Narendra Modi and Naveen Patnaik, things changed drastically.

The BJD MPs toned down their protest and resentment against the centre and CBI has gone slow on chit fund probe. Is there a big deal? There is definitely more to this than meets the eye.

Is Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan facilitated the deal between BJP and BJD at the centre? He is Modi’s blue-eyed boy and it would be impossible to believe that he is not aware of what’s going on behind the closed doors.

BJP needs BJD’s support to ensure smooth passage of many key bills in Rajya Sabha. At the same time, BJD and Naveen Patnaik need central assistance as well as their full support to rule without any fear or hassles.

It won’t be a big surprise if Naveen declares issue- based support to NDA Government or even join the alliance with his MPs getting plum posts in the Cabinet. Let’s wait and watch. Fingers crossed…