Bhubaneswar: As the vice-presidential election approaches on September 9, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has yet to declare its position amidst the evolving political landscape.

In this election, NDA's CP Radhakrishnan faces off against opposition candidate B Sudarshan Reddy.

While the BJD's seven MPs may not significantly influence the outcome, the decision of BJD president Naveen Patnaik could have broader implications for both national politics and Odisha, especially given the party's opposition to the BJP's government over the past 14 months.

Historically, the BJD has supported NDA candidates during its tenure in Odisha, but the current political climate sees Patnaik's party in opposition.

Recently, Patnaik received calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who inquired about the health of the former chief minister, recently hospitalized due to dehydration.

Pramila Mallik, a senior BJD leader and the Opposition chief whip in the Assembly, stated, "Naveen Patnaik will make the final call regarding the BJD's position in the vice-presidential elections at the appropriate time, always considering the interests of the state and the nation."

In the past, Patnaik endorsed NDA candidates like Droupadi Murmu in the presidential elections and Jagdeep Dhankar in the vice-presidential polls of 2022.

Additionally, the BJD has supported the Modi government on various contentious issues from 2014 to 2024, including the demonetization initiative and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The regional party has also backed BJP candidate Ashwini Vaishnaw on two occasions for his Rajya Sabha elections.

Such political backing was extended by the BJD when it was in power, with Patnaik appearing to dominate Odisha's political scene.

However, the dynamics have shifted, and Naveen Patnaik, who has served as Odisha's chief minister from 2000 to 2024, now holds the position of Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

Political observers in Odisha are keen to see how he will navigate this situation.

Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati remarked, "The BJD has faced humiliation at the hands of the BJP in the 2024 elections, losing power in the state and failing to secure any seats in the Lok Sabha elections. It should now recognize its position and support the INDIA candidate instead."

Former MP Mahesh Sahoo from the BJD expressed his belief that the party would oppose the NDA candidate in the vice-presidential election.

"We supported the NDA's presidential candidate because Murmu is from Odisha. The circumstances are different now, and we should oppose the NDA candidate," Sahoo stated.

The BJD has shifted its stance following the 2024 elections, aiming to present itself as a robust opposition in both the Upper House of Parliament and the state assembly.

A senior BJD leader, speaking anonymously, noted, "We must remember how the BJP strategically diminished the BJD's representation in the Rajya Sabha. The BJD had nine MPs before the 2024 elections, but this number has decreased to seven after Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar resigned and joined the BJP last year."

Insiders suggest that the BJD leadership is grappling with internal dissent following a recent change in the party's position on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

Initially, the party planned to oppose the Bill, but at the last moment, MPs were permitted to vote according to their conscience, resulting in a split vote. Out of seven MPs, five supported the Bill, one opposed it, and another abstained, sending mixed signals.

Many within the party believe that the BJD's decision regarding the vice-presidential elections could influence upcoming student union elections in colleges, as well as panchayat and municipal elections.

Moreover, the BJD faces challenges from the Congress, which has been attempting to unveil its alleged "secret alliance" with the BJP, claiming to be the true opposition party in Odisha, rather than the BJD.