Major parties spurn Pyari's poll alliance offer

Expelled BJD leader launches OJM as a political outfit

Even as the launching of a new political party by expelled BJD (Biju Janata Dal) leader Pyari Mohan Mohapatra warmed up the pre-poll political atmosphere in the state, his offer to anchor a broader anti-BJD platform has been rebuffed by major political parties like Congress, BJP and Left.

While announcing baptism of his Naveen-bashing forum, Odisha Jan Morcha (OJM) as a political outfit here on Tuesday, Mohapatra expressed willingness to stitch up alliance with any non-BJD party to oust the "blind, autocratic, undemocratic government of Naveen Patnaik" from power.

"We aim to acquire 80 to 85 seats (in the 147 member assembly) in alliance with other like-minded parties," he asserted.

Mohapatra claimed that the national level leaders of many political parties are in touch with him for pre-poll tie-ups. He, however, did not hide the desire to lead such a political combine, if at all it becomes a reality.

"The national parties have to accept the supremacy of the regional party in the alliance. Moreover, people see me as the only alternate leader to Naveen Patnaik in the state," he pointed out.

Responding to Mohapatra's offer of alliance, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, Niranjan Patnaik said, "I welcome the birth of the new political party. But Mohapatra has said, OJM will contest in 110 seats. This leaves only 37 seats for Congress at best. How can Congress accept this? Besides, Congress being a national party, any poll alliance has to be decided at the central level." Though BJP's national vice-president and its election committee member, Juel Oram declined to comment on the issue, he said, he stands by the statement of party's newly installed state unit chief, KV Singhdeo, who recently stated that the party would not forge any alliance with BJD or OJM in the state.

The secretary of CPM, state party unit, Janardan Pati made it clear that BJD is not its prime enemy in the state. "We are fighting the economic policies of the Congress led UPA government at the Centre. Besides, how can we share platform with OJM which is also trying to rope in Congress and BJP to fight BJD in the state? Such a possibility is improbable," he said.

Earlier, Mohapatra, who was a close confidante of chief minister, Naveen Patnaik and privy to many important government decisions before being ousted from BJD last year for anti-party activities, told newsmen that he will soon drop two 'missiles' relating to corruptions in the Naveen government.

He also called upon the disgruntled elements in BJD to join his camp. "Those BJD leaders, who are not feeling comfortable should make up their mind and join OJM immediately. My door is open for next 30 days only," he said.

Reacting to Mohapatra's outburst against BJD and its supremo, Naveen Patnaik, senior BJD leader and state Panchayatiraj and Parliamentary Affairs minister, Kalpataru Das said, "It is just bragging by a frustrated man. The launching of the new party by Mohapatra will not have any impact on the outcome of the coming election which will go in favour of BJD riding on the popularity of chief minister."