Nobody refuses support in politics, says Odisha BJP president over BJD’s support to Ashwini Vaishnaw

Bhubaneswar: While the BJD today announced its support towards BJP candidate Ashwini Vaishnaw for the upcoming elections to three Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha, State BJP president Manmohan Samal, reacting over the development, said nobody refuses support in politics.

However, Samal clarified that there is no chance of any alliance of the BJP with the BJD in future.

“Ashwini Vaishnaw will file nomination papers tomorrow. He is all set to emerge victorious in the polls,” said Samal.

Exuding confidence, the Odisha BJP chief said, “The BJP has no support of anyone. If required, we will fight on our own.”

Advocating for the formation of BJP government in Odisha, Samal said, “The people of the state want ‘double-engine government’ for development.”

On being asked about the BJD’s decision, Samal said, “The BJD supremo should be asked about the party’s move.”

The BJD had earlier announced Debashish Samantaray and Subhasish Khuntia as its candidates for the polls. It didn’t announce any candidate for the third seat.

Considering the strength of the BJD in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, victory of the three candidates is certain.

In 2019, Ashwini Vaishnaw was also elected to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP candidate with the help of BJD.

The polling will be held on February 27 between 9 am and 4 pm. The counting of votes will be conducted on the very day at 5 pm.