Brief
BJD pulls back support for Odisha bandh after brief endorsement
The BJD first backed, then within 30 minutes rejected, the opposition‑led shutdown call for Thursday.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Half an hour after announcing support for the INDIA bloc’s Odisha bandh on Thursday, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said on Wednesday it would neither support nor oppose the shutdown, maintaining an independent political stance, New Indian Express reported.
Senior BJD leader and opposition chief whip Pramila Mallick initially declared the party’s backing, citing protests against alleged wrongful removal of voters from electoral rolls. Within 30 minutes, she reversed the statement, emphasizing the party’s focus on issues affecting the people and the state, regardless of other parties’ positions.
Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty reiterated that the BJD has not joined any alliance and will keep equal distance from all political parties. The U‑turn follows BJD Rajya Sabha members’ participation in a New Delhi march by opposition MPs demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Congress criticised the move, alleging a secret understanding between the BJD and the BJP, noting the regional party’s previous support for the NDA government on key Centre issues before 2024.
Key facts
- BJD announced support for the Odisha bandh and withdrew it within 30 minutes. (newindianexpress.com)
- Pramila Mallick said the party would maintain an independent position. (newindianexpress.com)
- Lenin Mohanty stated the BJD has not joined any alliance. (newindianexpress.com)
- Congress accused BJD of a secret understanding with the BJP. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Sitting on the fence: BJD makes a U-turn on INDIA bloc bandh support”
