CPI not averse to alliance with BJD

"BJD is neither with its former ally - BJP-led NDA nor with Congress-led UPA. I have stated the fact...You draw your own conclusion," CPI veteran A B Bardhan told reporters on the sidelines of the party's National Executive meeting here.

Another senior party leader D Raja also did not give any direct reply to the question on CPI's possible alliance with BJD.

"There is definite space for adjustment with any non-Congress, non-BJP ... Including regional parties," Raja said replying a question whether his party would forge an alliance with the BJD.

CPI had in 2009 elections entered into a seat sharing arrangement with BJD and won one assembly and one Lok Sabha seat. The Left party developed its relationship with BJD after Naveen Patnaik snapped ties with BJP just before the election's.

Senior party leaders like A B Bardhan and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik had jointly campaigned for their candidates during the previous elections.

Though CPI was linked with the BJD, the party often opposed the ruling party over Posco project and some other issues. During last three years, the CPI had hit the streets opposing the BJD government in the state.