No political discussion, says Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik after meeting Nitish Kumar

Bhubaneswar: Putting all speculations surrounding Bihar CM Nitish Kumar-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik meet to rest, the latter today made it clear that no discussion was held between the two regarding an anti-BJP alliance.

“Ours is an old friendship. No discussions were held about alliances today,” Patnaik said while speaking to media persons at his residence here after the meeting.

“I am delighted that Nitish ji is here in Bhubaneswar. We are old friends and colleagues, ever since we served in Mr. Vajpayee’s cabinet together. We had discussions for 1.5 acres of land in Puri which will be given to the Bihar Government free of cost for construction of Bihar Bhawan for tourists and pilgrims who come to Puri to visit Shree Jagannath Temple,” said Patnaik.

Echoing similar views, the Bihar CM said, “There was no political discussion. Our relationship is old. I used to pay him visit regularly before the COVID situation.”

Glad to meet #Bihar Chief Minister Shri @NitishKumar in #Bhubaneswar. #Odisha shares a special bond with Bihar and the people of the neighbouring state. Hope he had a pleasant and fruitful stay in Odisha. pic.twitter.com/tPGtvRisAz

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) May 9, 2023

It was being speculated that Nitish Kumar would meet Patnaik in a bid to unify opposition against the BJP.

Worth mentioning, the BJD has been maintaining equal distance from the BJP and the Congress. However, the regional party has supported the BJP government in passing several Bills in the Parliament.

Nitish has been meeting his counterparts to bring together various parties to form an anti-BJP alliance for the 2024 elections.