Sharad, Naveen discuss UP poll impact

Veteran Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik today discussed the outcome of the Uttar Pradesh elections.
Patnaik met both Yadav and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar separately after they attended the funeral of noted socialist leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray this afternoon.
"I had met Naveenji in New Delhi few months ago. After taking over the responsibility of Bihar as Chief Minister, I hardly got time to meet him. I am meeting him as we have a personal relationship," Nitish Kumar told reporters.
After meeting Patnaik, Sharad Yadav said "It was a courtesy visit. Whenever I visit Odisha, I meet Naveen Babu. I share a family relationship. There was no talk on the Third Front. However, the issue of UP elections cropped up during the meeting."

Yadav said Odisha's panchayat election results was also discussed during his meeting with Patnaik.
"I was informed that BJD candidates secured less seats (Zilla Parishad) this time due to infighting and Congress going to the third place in Odisha politics," he said.

On BJP's celebrations over the party coming second in the panchayat polls, Yadav said "They (BJP) make more noise than required."
Soon after the meeting between Patnaik and Yadav, former MP and OPCC vice-president Pradeep Majhi said there was every possibility of anti-BJP leaders joining hands after the UP elections.
BJP national secretary Suresh Pujari, however, said "We are prepared for all eventualities. Let them get united or fight separately, the BJP will face the situation.