 "Naveen rules out support to NDA even as partymen hint conditional backing")
"At the moment we have no such thoughts (of supporting the NDA)," he said at his residence here after returning from Delhi today.
BJD chief whip Pravat Tripathy has earlier said that the regional outfit could lend conditional support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by BJP keeping in the interest of Odisha.
The party would support NDA if BJP leaders promise to accord special category status to Odisha, a long-standing demand of the state, he had said, adding that BJD as a regional party should keep in mind the interest of the state first.
Another party leader Baijayant Panda also said party leaders have been discussing about supporting the NDA government in the interest of Odisha.
"Regarding possibility of conditional support to NDA, it is a suggestion mooted by one member of BJD, but it has not been discussed in the party," he tweeted earlier today.
Patnaik however has said he was not aware of any statement by party members regarding conditional support to BJP.
"I do not know about that, but I want to speak here quite clearly that no decision have been taken, no such thought have been there," he said.
The chief minister has visited the national capital twice in last three weeks. When asked whether there was any talk going on to join the NDA, Patnaik said nothing has been discussed.
"There has been no talks. It has been our policy to maintain equidistance both from BJP and Congress," he said.
The Chief Minister was not perturbed either by several exit polls showing BJP gaining maximum seats in Odisha.
"Well we do not have to wait for long. The day after tomorrow we will have the results," he said.
BJD was a partner of NDA till 2009, when it parted ways just before the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, blaming the saffron party for fuelling anti-Christian riot that took place at Kandhamal in 2008.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app