BJP’s win in Gujarat, Himachal will have no impact in Odisha: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik today claimed that the Assembly elections outcome in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh will have no impact in the state.

Patnaik reacted to media persons’ queries on BJD’s poll prospects in the state, a day after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in a fiercely contested election in Gujarat and wrested power in Himachal Pradesh.

“I see no impact in Odisha of all these. I don’t feel the BJD will face an anti-incumbency because of our development programmes and welfare schemes which are doing well in our state,” Naveen Patnaik said.

Reiterating that the regional party is prepared to go for elections, Patnaik said, “I can again say that we are ready for polls anytime.”

The BJD supremo yesterday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for the poll victory as we had reported here.

The saffron party’s win in the Prime Minister’s home turf and Hill-state has lifted the mood of party workers in the state. The members yesterday switched to a celebratory mode with band, baaja, bursting of crackers and distribution of sweets.

On the other hand, political pundits feel the Bijepur by-poll will be prelude to the general elections due early 2019.