Relations between BJP-BJD in Orissa tense: LK Advani

SAMBALPUR: BJP leader L K Advani today said the party's erstwhile ally BJD had ended their alliance in Orissa "without justification" and the relations between the state units of both parties were "tense".

"We were in a coalition for quite some time and which they ended without any reason or justification on which I do not have anything to say," Advani said.

He was asked about the possibility of a BJP-BJD alliance in the future.

"I am not ruling out anything though at the moment the relations between the two (state BJP unit and BJD) have become more tense," Advani said when specifically asked if the BJP was in favour of an alliance.

"Naturally, the state unit's view has to be taken in to account," he said.

Advani was asked why had he not attacked the Orissa government in his speeches if the BJP was not in a mood for an alliance.

"The whole campaign has started with the corruption at the Centre. So far as corruption in the states is concerned, we are concerned with the states we rule.If we notice any trace of corruption, we will be uncompromising," he said.

"Today's newspapers specifically observed that Advani was silent about Odisha'a affairs.I was silent," he said.

Advani said the BJP's state unit had been "unsparing" in its criticism of the Orissa government.

On Lokayukta reports indicting the Orissa government, the BJP leader said the state unit of the BJP would comment on the issue.

Advani said though his party was not as strong in Orissa as compared to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he was surprised at the response he had received in the state.