Explained: BJD's decision to withdraw support from BJP, NDA in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Currently, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holds nine seats in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lacks a majority. Naveen Patnaik, aware of his new role as Leader of the Opposition in Odisha, no longer feels compelled to support the central government. He needed the Modi government's backing only while he was the Chief Minister to ensure his state received ample resources from the Centre.

Opposition walkout draws attention

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha. During this session, opposition parties, including the BJD, walked out. This marked the BJD's second walkout within a week, following their participation in the INDI Alliance’s protest on June 28, which demanded discussions on alleged exam irregularities. Despite having nine Rajya Sabha MPs and none in the Lok Sabha, the BJD's actions have significant implications for the NDA, which lacks a majority in the upper house.

BJD's strategy in the Upper House

Following his party’s defeat in Odisha, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has adopted a more aggressive stance against both the state and central ruling BJP. Media reports suggest Patnaik has instructed his nine Rajya Sabha members to act as a robust Opposition, raising state-specific issues and holding the NDA government accountable. Patnaik has made it clear that the BJD will not support the BJP and will instead operate as a strong opposition force.

Nine BJP MPs walk out

The BJD’s historical support for the BJP in passing contentious bills in Rajya Sabha during Modi 2.0 makes their recent opposition stance noteworthy. The surprise walkout by nine BJD MPs during Modi’s response to the motion of thanks highlighted a significant shift in their political alignment.

Implications for NDA in Rajya Sabha

With the BJD holding nine seats, the NDA faces a more challenging path in Rajya Sabha. The recent Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP winning 20 out of 21 seats in Odisha, while the BJD failed to secure any, marking a significant departure from past election results since the party's inception in 1997.

Reasons behind BJD’s new stance

The BJD, having lost the Assembly elections, recognizes that it no longer needs central support to secure state funding. With Naveen Patnaik no longer under pressure to align with the BJP, he has instructed his party to act independently. Previously, as Chief Minister, Patnaik relied on the BJP’s support to ensure benefits for Odisha, while the BJP needed the BJD’s backing in Rajya Sabha for legislative success. Under current circumstances, the BJP cannot count on the BJD’s support in the Upper House.