Guwahati: In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is losing its relevance in Odisha, calling it “history” in the state. Sarma’s comments came during a two-day visit to Odisha, where he noted that the BJP had been in power for six months and was performing well, with a strong outlook for the next fifty years.
His remarks are significant given his key role in helping the BJP secure unexpected victories in both the Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
During his visit, Sarma also emphasized the need for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) across India to curb illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh.
He pointed out that many infiltrators had been apprehended in Assam and Tripura, but cooperation from the West Bengal government was lacking, contributing to ongoing issues. Sarma’s comments extended to Odisha, where he suggested the state was facing similar immigration challenges due to its proximity to Bangladesh.
Additionally, Sarma voiced his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “One Nation, One Election” initiative, citing Odisha’s successful track record with simultaneous elections as an example for other states. He expressed confidence that the proposal would eventually pass in Parliament.
