Not part of INDIA bloc, BJD issues long clarification

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.

"BJP leaders, before criticising the BJD's participation in the Opposition parties' protest march, must realise that the BJD is the number one party in Odisha and is committed to the welfare of 4.5 crore Odias," said Lenin Mohanty, party spokesperson, in a statement.

"The BJD participated in the Opposition parties' protest march over the alleged arbitrary actions of CEC in connection with the SIR of electoral rolls and the deletion of the names of more than 13 crore voters across the country. In Odisha too, more than 27.50 lakh voters have been disenfranchised in the name of SIR, which raises serious concerns," he said.

"The BJD participated in the protest march because of the deliberate deletion of voters belonging to members of a minority community in Dhamnagar, Odisha, without the knowledge of the concerned Booth Level Officers, which raises serious questions about the SIR exercise," said the BJD spokesperson.

"Thousands of voters have reportedly been excluded from the electoral rolls in the Dhamnagar Assembly constituency alone. At the same time, the voluntary retirement application submitted by the State Chief Electoral Officer has raised further questions and concerns," said Mr. Mohanty.

The BJD participated in the Opposition parties' protest march because of the Supreme Court's clarification that it had not given any direction for the modification of Form 6, as had been claimed by the CEC, he further said.

To protect democracy: BJD

"As a responsible political party, the BJD has maintained equal distance from both the INDIA bloc and the National Democratic Alliance. However, by participating in the march, the BJD is trying to protect democratic institutions and the integrity of the electoral process. That is the main reason that BJD president Mr. Patnaik has already demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over his controversial role in the SIR exercise," said Mr. Mohanty.

Earlier, lashing out at the BJD, BJP spokesperson Biranchi Narayan Tripathy alleged, "The relationship between the BJD and the 'INDI' alliance is nothing new. There is even evidence that the BJD's parliamentary party leader had attended meetings of the 'INDI' alliance."

"The BJD has become a parasitic creeper in Odisha politics. In an attempt to protect its existence and seek political support, it is sometimes seen following the 'Cockroach Janta Party' and at other times the 'INDI' alliance," said Mr. Tripathy.

Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said it was a welcome move that BJD joined INDIA bloc's protest rally in the national capital.