Odisha's reigning Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has once again extended its support to the NDA government led by Narendra Modi. The BJD, often distancing itself from alliances, claims neutrality. The party is known for maintaining an equal distance from both the opposition and the establishment. Yet, every time the NDA requires crucial backing from another faction, the BJD steps up.
Many question the nature of BJD's neutrality, as the party has consistently sided with the government during pivotal events. For instance, BJD voted in favor of the government when the Triple Talaq Bill needed passage in the Rajya Sabha and stood by the government when revoking Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was up for debate. The BJD also supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Source: aajtak
Political analyst, Rashid Kidwai, states that BJD leader Naveen Patnaik's ambitions are confined to state politics. His primary focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted funding for the state's development projects, which explains his proximity to the ruling party.
Another political analyst, Amitabh Tiwari, pointed out that BJD has been allied with the BJP since its establishment. The BJP needed support to strengthen its base in Odisha, and Naveen Patnaik needed a party to carry forward his father's political legacy. This synergy from the beginning is occasionally evident in BJD's support for the NDA during challenging times. The BJD's inception was marked by opposition to Congress.
Naveen Patnaik has continued his father Biju Patnaik's political stance, hardly looking back at Congress after stepping away to form the Utkal Congress, which later merged with the Bharatiya Lok Dal. BJD's long-standing alliance with BJP is evident, although Naveen never forged an alliance with Congress.
Source: aajtak
Possibly this inherent tandem of support manifests in BJD's role as a crisis-resolver for the NDA whenever the government needs it the most. Most recently, the BJD has announced its backing of the NCT Delhi Amendment Bill and opposition to the motion of no confidence. In practice, the BJD has continued to support the NDA government, directly or indirectly, over the years.
