Differences in Orissa NCP over withdrawing support to BJD

BHUBANESWAR: The Nationalist Congress Party ( NCP) on Wednesday appeared to be divided over the leadership’s decision to withdraw “unconditional” support to the ruling BJD.

While one faction accused the ruling party of not giving it “due importance” in the governance of the state, another faction claimed that the party was firm in backing the BJD.

The NCP state executive committee, which met here, had adopted a resolution declaring the end of its alliance with the BJD.

“The BJD had assured us to accommodate our party functionaries in different fora and give due importance to our view point while taking decisions relating to protecting and promoting the state’s interests. But it never consulted us or respected our opinion while taking decisions on crucial issues,” NCP state president Utkal Keshari Parida said.

Although four legislators of the party were present in the executive committee meeting presided over by state president Utkal Keshari Parida, party legislator from Begunia Prashant Nanda left the place before the meeting, apparently disagreeing with the decision to withdraw support.

“I do not know about the decision to withdraw support. As far as I know, today’s decision does not have the sanction of Mr Sharad Pawar,” Mr Nanda said.

NCP legislature party leader Amar Prasad Satpathy, who was present in the meeting, also said he was not aware of the resolution to withdraw support. “The decision to give or withdraw support is taken by the party central committee. I’m not aware of the resolution,” Mr Satpathy said.

NCP MLA Ramchandra Hansda, however, said “there was no need to take the high command’s permission as the party has empowered the state committee to take any decision with regard to state affairs.”

The NCP and the BJD had forged alliance on the eve of 2009 assembly polls. The BJD preferred to keep mum on the development. “We do not know anything about the NCP’s decision. It’s not correct on our part to make any comments,” said a senior BJD leader.