BJD still undecided over alliance with the Left parties

The proposed alliance between Biju Janta Dal (BJD) and Left parties for Odisha assembly polls is faced with uncertainty, bringing to fore the difficulty in stitching up a third front ahead of next Lok Sabha elections.

The proposed alliance between Biju Janta Dal (BJD) and Left parties for Odisha assembly polls is faced with uncertainty, bringing to fore the difficulty in stitching up a third front ahead of next Lok Sabha elections.

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Top left leaders said they haven't got 'any indication yet' on BJD's stand on the issue.

There are many indications of BJD planning to field candidates in all 147 assembly seats while left leaders said there is still time for a pre-poll alliance. Kalpataru Das, a BJD minister and party vice-president had said "as of now BJD would contest in all seats."

"We had an alliance in the last elections (2009). But the call will be taken by the BJD and we are waiting", said a Left leader. In 2009 assembly elections, BJD had an alliance with CPM. CPI, and NCP. The Left parities have entered into alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

The elections to the assemblies of present Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), Odisha and Sikkim are to be held during April-May, along with the Lok Sabha elections, and the election commission is likely to announce the schedule early March.