Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8: The BJD in Odisha is keeping a close watch on the emerging political scenario in the country in the wake of an overwhelming verdict in favour of Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance in Bihar.

While chief minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted a congratulatory message to Nitish on his "spectacular" victory hoping that Bihar would march forward under his leadership, BJD leaders here felt the verdict in the neighbouring state could result in Naveen hardening his stand towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while he continues to follow a policy of equi-distance from the BJP and the Congress.

"We have, of late, been accused of being soft towards the Modi government and even supporting the government at the Centre on issues like Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2015. The crushing defeat of Modi-led NDA is likely to change that," said a senior ruling party leader.

Naveen, who had dumped the BJP on the eve of 2009 Assembly elections to shore up his secular image that had been seriously dented by communal riots in Kandhamal an year ago, has since been following a policy of equi-distance from the saffron outfit as well as the Congress.

However, with BJD supporting the NDA in Parliament on issues like passage of MMDR Bill, there has been growing perception that chief minister Naveen Patnaik, given the CBI probe into the money deposit collection scam allegedly involving some of his own party leaders, is deliberately being soft towards Modi. That, however, may change now with Bihar defeat likely to erode Modi's authority within his party and the government.

Former minister and BJD spokesperson P.K. Deb said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be forced to seek course correction in the wake of Bihar verdict and ensure that he delivers on his poll promises, including honest implementation of the idea of co-operative federalism which till date remains a mere slogan."

He felt that Bihar results were bound to leave Modi vulnerable to attacks from within BJP, which may also impact his party's already weak position in the Rajya Sabha where he is desperately trying to make the numbers by wooing regional parties like BJD.

"Now even regional satraps like Naveen may refuse to play ball with him as BJD would find aligning with secular-minded leaders like Nitish Kumar more wise," said a ruling party leader.