New BJP state president KV Singhdeo at the party office in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, March 13: The newly appointed BJP state unit president K.V. Singhdeo said the party would neither make an alliance with the BJD nor with its rebel outfit Odisha Jan Morcha in the next election.

Singhdeo, who was appointed state party president two days ago, was given a rousing welcome and taken to the party office on a motorcycle procession from the airport.

Addressing party workers at the party office, Singhdeo said: “We have to respect the sentiments of party workers. We will fight the coming elections with our strength and the party workers should be prepared. The party will also not forget the sacrifices of Swami Laxamananda Sarswati.” Saraswati, who was a Vishva Hindu Parishad leader, was killed by Maoists in 2008.

Making his stand clear that the BJP would sharpen its attack on the BJD in the coming days, Singhdeo said: “The BJD may have to go for election with a new leader as Naveen Patnaik may have lost power after getting embroiled in the mining scam.”

Targeting the chief minister, Singhdeo said: “Naveen is directly involved in the mining scam. He is also involved in the Sainik mining case. Once the Shah Commission report is tabled, he will find himself in jail with former chief minister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda.”

The state BJP sought to send out the message of unity. Speaking on the occasion, outgoing president Jual Oram said: “Since there is an inner democracy in the party, different views emerge. However, the party will work together under the new leadership.” Former minister and BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra said: “The party can only fight back if the new leader takes all the factions with him.”