Naveen Patnaik's Guarded Response To 3rd Front, Opposition President Plan

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also made it clear that his party's stance on the presidential nominee would be based on who the candidate is.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had a guarded response on his party's plans for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Presidential elections. "It's still early days. We will look into it when the matter comes up," he told NDTV if his Biju Janata Dal would be a part of any proposed third front. He, however, said  that his party prefers its independence from any political formation

Mr Patnaik also made it clear that his party's stance on the presidential nominee would be based on who the candidate is. "Let's see who the candidate is, that is more important," the BJD chief remained noncommittal. In the 2017 Presidential polls, the Biju Janata Dal had supported NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

The BJD's support to the ruling NDA is crucial to cross the half-way mark as currently it is falling short by about 1.2 per cent of the total votes it needs for its candidate to sail through. With 21 MPs across both houses of the Parliament, Mr Patnaik controls around 3.22 per cent of votes which can ensure a smooth win for the BJP in the July Presidential elections.

The 75-year-old also insisted that his party will prioritise its independence over anything else.