Author: Pioneer News Service
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: March 24, 2009
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/164783/Anti-Naveen-revolt-snowballs-two-Orissa-stalwarts-join-BJP.html
In the wake of BJP-BJD split in Orissa, key
detractors of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have begun to align with the BJP,
strengthening the party even as it braces itself for a direct electoral battle
with its former ally of nine years.
Dilip Ray and Bijoy Mohapatra, two veterans
of Orissa politics credited with forming the Biju Janata Dal and installing
Naveen Patnaik as Chief Minister after the demise of his father, the legendary
Biju Patnaik, have decided to join the BJP.
Both fell out with Naveen Patnaik five years
ago and were expelled from the BJD. Sources in Orissa said the fresh development
was a "turning point for the BJP and the State's politic" as the
two heavyweights commanded considerable influence.
While Mohapatra after his expulsion went on
to form a regional outfit - Orissa Gana Praishad - before merging it with
the Nationalist Congress Party, Ray was nominated to the Rajya Sabha as an
independent and worked as an 'associate member' of the Congress.
Both the leaders were close to Biju Patnaik
who shaped a new political destiny for Orissa. The legendary politician in
fact spent the last years of his life at Ray's home.
The move comes on the heels of BJD's Kendrapara
member of Parliament Archana Nayak's decision to switch over to the BJP, thereby
dealing a blow to Naveen Patnaik.
Archana Nayak was upset with Naveen Patnaik's
decision to snap ties with the BJP, his intention to rope in an outsider for
the Kendrapara seat and rejection of her demand for contesting the Assembly
poll.
Ray and Mohapatra met NDA prime ministerial
candidate LK Advani on Sunday and called on BJP chief Rajnath Singh at his
residence here on Monday; promising to stand by the BJP in its fight against
Naveen Patnaik.
Mohapatra recently stepped down as president
of the Orissa unit of the NCP following disagreement with Sharad Pawar over
supporting the Chief Minister. Ray said it was their "collective fight"
to unseat the BJD Government and 'expose' Naveen Patnaik.
"Both the stalwarts of Orissa politics
have decided to accept the membership of BJP and repose their faith in our
policies," Rajnath Singh told reporters here, adding they would formally
join the party on March 27.
While Rajnath said Ray and Mohaptra had not
demanded tickets to contest elections, party sources pointed out that the
latter may be fielded from Patkura Assembly constituency. They added that
Dilip would concentrate on strengthening the BJP in Orissa and may be nominated
to the Upper House of Parliament later.
