All attention is focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to the state on Tuesday, with leaders from both the BJP and the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) eagerly anticipating his stance towards the Naveen Patnaik-led party.

Despite the BJP being the primary Opposition party in Odisha, the Prime Minister has refrained from criticising the BJD or its supreme leader, chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Of notable significance, Modi’s visit coincides with the 108th birth anniversary of the legendary leader, Biju Patnaik, after whom the Biju Janata Dal is named. The party has long relied on Biju’s legacy to secure victories in elections.

Modi’s visit unfolds amid swirling rumours regarding a potential alliance between the BJD and the BJP. However, state leaders from both parties have dismissed the prospect of an alliance, assuring their supporters that they will contest the elections independently. In recent weeks, several BJD leaders, including sitting MLAs, have defected to the BJP, with sitting BJD MLA and former minister Premananda Nayak joining the saffron party on Monday.

All eyes are now on whether Modi will signal a potential alliance with the BJD, whose support enabled Ashwini Vaishnaw’s consecutive election to the Rajya Sabha. Modi’s public address is scheduled for Chandikhol in Jajpur, a BJD stronghold. “All will become clear on March 5 after Modi’s speech at Chandikhol. We must wait until then,” said a senior BJP figure, sentiments echoed by BJD leaders.

The relationship between Naveen and Modi is amicable, with Modi refraining from any criticism towards Naveen. Despite a hectic schedule on February 3, when Modi inaugurated the permanent campus of IIM, Sambalpur, Naveen promptly joined him, showcasing their camaraderie. At the event, Modi addressed Naveen as his “param mitra”.

“In light of these developments, it’s unlikely that Modi will take a firm stance amidst rumours of a potential alliance. Even without a pre-election alliance, a post-poll pact seems probable. There should be no doubt about it. Let’s see the direction Modi takes in his Chandikhol speech,” said a leader.

Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal anticipates “lakhs of people” to attend Modi’s public gathering.