Speculation abounds that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his forthcoming visit to the state on March 5, may announce the Bharat Ratna for the legendary leader Biju Patnaik.

This move could potentially pave the way for an alliance between the BJP and the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the elections.

March 5 marks Bijubabu’s 108th birth anniversary, and it is worth noting that the BJD derives its name from Biju Patnaik, the father of Naveen, who served as the chief minister of the state on two occasions.

Although the BJD and the BJP governed in coalition for nine years starting from 2000, the alliance dissolved before the 2009 general elections, during which the two parties contested separately. Despite the BJP being the primary Opposition party in Odisha, Naveen has maintained remarkably amicable relations with central BJP figures, particularly Modi. Furthermore, the BJD has consistently supported the NDA government on pivotal matters within the Parliament.

In anticipation of the Prime Minister’s visit, BJD leaders have raised the imperative of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Bijubabu. Former minister and senior BJD figure Sashi Bhusan Behera said: “Bijubabu deserves the Bharat Ratna. The Centre should announce it before March 5. Millions of Biju supporters would rejoice.”

Many leaders have highlighted that former chief ministers from other states, such as K. Kamraj, MGR (M.G. Ramachandran) from Tamil Nadu, Gopinath Bordoloi from Assam, B.C. Roy from Bengal and G.B. Pant from Uttar Pradesh, have been honoured with Bharat Ratna. Thus, they argue, Bijubabu is equally deserving of this prestigious accolade.

In December 2015, the Odisha Assembly passed a resolution advocating for Bharat Ratna to be bestowed upon Bijubabu. Naveen Patnaik has consistently advocated for
this recognition.

“Considering the sentiments of Odias, the Modi government could announce Bharat Ratna for Bijubabu. The Centre previously formed an alliance with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) by posthumously awarding Karpoori Thakur the Bharat Ratna. In politics, anything is feasible,” said a credible source.

“Both the BJP and BJD leadership at the highest echelons share a strong rapport. They have never uttered a single word against each other. Even upon the Prime Minister’s request, the BJD supported Ashwini Vaishnaw’s candidature for the Rajya
Sabha twice.”

A senior BJD leader said: “The camaraderie between the BJP and the BJD is evident. However, it remains to be seen if an alliance will materialise. All factors must
be scrutinised.”

Another BJD official, speaking anonymously, said: “The leaderships of both the BJD and the BJP at the highest levels are discreet and mature. If there are
discussions, they would involve Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Naveen Patnaik, leaving no room for others to glean any hints.”

State BJP vice-president Lekhashree Samantasinghar rebutted the rumours, stating: “These are mere speculations. There will be no alliance. Nevertheless, as disciplined members, we will adhere to the directives of the central leadership on all matters, including alliances. We work for the national interest.”

Rumours suggest that out of the 21 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP would contest 14, with the BJD vying for the remaining seven. Similarly, in the 147 Assembly seats, the BJD would field candidates in 106 seats, while the BJP would contest in 41 seats.

The BJD severed ties with the BJP in 2009 following communal unrest in Kandhamal, branding the BJP as a communal party.