Naveen Patnaik's BJD Joins Opposition Protest Over Electoral Rolls
· India · Indian Express, Times of India
Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal joined the INDIA bloc's protest march in Delhi on October 6, 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party cited the exclusion of over 20 lakh voters in Odisha and 13 crore voters nationwide as deliberate and serious concerns. BJD chief Patnaik asked party MPs in the Rajya Sabha to participate, though the party clarified it remains outside the INDIA bloc. This marks a shift from BJD's long-standing equidistance policy from both BJP and Congress, following strained ties with BJP after losing all Lok Sabha seats in Odisha in 2024. The protest received public support from Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, who thanked BJD for deputing MPs to the march.
Why it matters
The BJD's participation signals a strategic realignment in Odisha politics, potentially strengthening the Opposition's coordination against the BJP ahead of future elections. It also highlights growing regional concern over electoral roll revisions, which could affect voter trust in the election process.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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