Cong rules out post-poll alliance with BJD

In the backdrop of speculations that the Congress may extend support to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Orissa to enable the latter to form the next government in the state in the event of the latter fell marginally short of majority in the on-going assembly elections, the national party today made it clear that it will not back BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for the post of chief minister in case the party doesn’t get majority of its own.

Congress exuded confidence that it will be able to form the next government in Orissa. ‘“The Congress has done exceedingly well in the first phase and we are confident of forming the government in Orissa”, the minister of state for external affairs Anand Sharma said.