Morning briefing: BJP on alliance in Odisha; shadow over Hyderabad Formula E

December 31, 2023

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha has dismissed the possibility of an alliance with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and set a target to secure 50% of votes in the 2024 elections. Aparajita Sarangi, the BJP’s state vice-president, emphasized that there is no question of an alliance with any political party, including the BJD. The speculation arose after the BJD supported the BJP on a no-confidence motion and the Delhi services bill. BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, met in August, sparking further alliance rumours. The BJP aims to contest all 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha.

The second season of the Formula E car race in Hyderabad is in jeopardy following the change of government in Telangana after assembly polls. The Congress-led government has not shown interest in the event scheduled for February 10, 2024, creating uncertainty. The chief minister, A Revanth Reddy, who opposed the race last year, is assumed to prioritize other matters, leading to potential abandonment of the event due to lack of communication. Formula E seeks clarification from the new government on fulfilling contractual obligations, stating that discussions have been ongoing since the election. The inaugural Hyderabad E-Prix in 2023 had a positive economic impact, attracting significant investments in the electronic automobiles sector. Urgent government permission is required for event preparations to proceed.