In March 2008, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called off its 11-year alliance with the BJP, relegating the latter to political irrelevance in Odisha . Even in that year’s general election (Odisha’s assembly polls are held along with general election since 2004), the BJP won just one seat, with the BJD claiming the other 20. Panda, when asked to respond, hit back at Satpathy and has since denied speculation about his overtures to the BJP. The BJP won 33 of 36 zilla parishad seats in Kalahandi.Both BJD and BJP leaders rule out old allies coming together again. If the Congress improves its position, the BJD will gain.” A strong Congress would mean the anti-incumbency votes would get divided between itself and the BJP, which is what the BJD would want.

Source: Economic Times April 15, 2017 18:22 UTC