Tensions rise within Odisha's BJP amidst growing concerns over their rapport with BJD, while the Congress intensifies efforts to establish itself as the 'true opposition'.

Shortly after the BJP announced on February 14th that Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw would be renominated to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha, despite lacking the requisite numbers in the state Assembly, the ruling BJD led by Naveen Patnaik declared its support for Vaishnaw's candidacy, citing the broader interests of railway and telecom development in the state. This move echoed a similar scenario in 2019 when Vaishnaw was elected to the Upper House with BJD's backing. The speculation surrounding a potential "tacit pact" between the two parties gained traction on February 12th when the BJD, despite having the capacity to secure all three Rajya Sabha seats, nominated only two candidates. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Patnaik was consulted by the BJP central leadership prior to Vaishnaw's candidature announcement, prompting the BJD's decision to field only two nominees. With only three candidates in contention, all were declared elected to the Upper House unopposed.

The growing camaraderie between the BJD and BJP, the primary opposition party, has stirred debate, prompting both sides to engage in damage control efforts. While BJD MLAs abstained from Vaishnaw's nomination filing, Vaishnaw refrained from acknowledging Patnaik or his party for his election. Meanwhile, the Congress has been actively campaigning against the alleged BJD-BJP nexus, positioning itself as the sole authentic opposition force in Odisha. As part of its strategy leading up to the elections, the Congress plans to release a 10-point chargesheet highlighting how the alliance between BJD and BJP has purportedly impeded the state's interests. The Congress also accuses Vaishnaw's candidacy of being influenced by corporate and mining interests, questioning the rationale behind BJD's support and highlighting the perceived closeness between Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Patnaik.

This perceived alignment between the BJD and BJP has led to confusion and discontent among many BJP leaders and workers in Odisha, particularly as the state gears up for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Despite the impending polls, the BJP's candidate selection process remains uncertain, with party members unsure whether there will be a formal alliance or merely tactical cooperation with the BJD. While Prime Minister Modi has criticized the Congress for neglecting Odisha during his recent visit to the state, he has remained silent on Patnaik's long tenure as Chief Minister. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised Patnaik's governance, further complicating the political landscape.

Although the BJD and BJP were official allies for about 11 years, with both parties part of the Odisha coalition government from 2000 to 2009, Patnaik's subsequent withdrawal from the alliance before the polls significantly benefited the BJD. Despite maintaining an "equidistant policy" publicly, the BJD has often aligned with the Modi government on various issues, emphasizing cooperative federalism and cooperation for Odisha's development. While the BJP emerged as the principal opposition in the 2019 elections, the Congress continues to assert itself as the genuine opposition alternative in the state.