Not part of INDIA bloc, BJD issues long clarification

By The Hindu Staff

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Not part of INDIA bloc, BJD issues long clarification — Photo credit: The Hindu

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha’s former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. | Photo Credit: ANI

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) clarified that it was not part of the INDIA bloc, despite its Rajya Sabha MPs joining the Opposition alliance’s protest march against the alleged arbitrary actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in connection with the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The clarification came after BJD MPs were seen alongside Congress leaders, actively participating in the protest over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise, in New Delhi. It was the first time that BJD and Congress leaders were seen sharing a platform in a public political demonstration, drawing considerable attention.

Back in Odisha, a Congress leader welcomed former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s “decision” to join the protest alongside INDIA bloc leaders and urged him to formally join the Opposition alliance.

BJD stands exposed: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, charged that Mr. Patnaik was seeking a political alliance with its strength weakened considerably. The BJP said the BJD’s long-standing assertion of maintaining equidistance from both the Congress and the BJP had been exposed.

Originally published by The Hindu on Oct 6, 2026 Read the full article at thehindu.com

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