BJD in touch with Modi for poll alliance, says Jena

Union minister of state for chemical and fertilizer Srikant Jena has alleged that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is in touch with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi through a backdoor channel for forging an alliance before or after the general elections due in May 2014.

"I have got information that BJD is in touch with Modi. It is likely that the two parties might reach an understanding for the elections," said Jena during an election rally.

The BJD reacted to the comments of Jena, saying that it is a desperate attempt of Congress to save its face.

"It is an attempt of Congress to save its image in the state as it has no other issues to come up with. We believe in maintaining equi-distance from both Congress and BJP. Besides, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has already said that both Rahul Gandhi and Modi are unacceptable to Indians," said Arun Kumar Sahoo, state minister for energy.

Recently, the ruling BJD had said that it has no comments to offer on BJP's announcement naming Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate.

BJD severed its ties with BJP just ahead of 2009 assembly election after nine years of alliance, accusing it of fuelling communal violence during Kandhamal riots.