**Bhubaneswar: ** Following the current political scenario of two sitting MLAs resigning from Congress and most expected to join ruling BJD led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while the Congress crying foul, BJD vice-president and Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro today asserted that the party is never weak and would win 123 seats in the upcoming assembly election.
In his media reactions, the senior BJD leader said, “Those who are in politics and are admitting that the State is being developed under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik as well as adopting Biju Patnaik’s ideology, they are joining our party.”
“We aren’t weak at any point. We’re strong. Already we are at 117, I have already told that we will reach 123 target. Hence, how can we weak? Even the present trend across Odisha in favour of Naveen Patnaik shows that the target may increase,” he asserted.
He remarked, “Those who are in Congress feel that Naveen Patnaik is the only alternative and should prefer his leadership for the development of Odisha. That’s why they are joining. When the good and strong people join our party, it will further strengthen the organization.”
On the contrary, senior Congress leader and former minister Suresh Chandra Routray said, “Naba Babu (Jharsuguda Congress MLA Naba Das) took an opportune step. Following his steps, Jogesh Singh (Sundargarh Congress MLA) has also made up his mind. But, Congress is never saddened nor it would harm the party.”
He added, “I have earlier said that Congress party has now many members who are highly educated and capable enough. Wherever there will be a vacuum, a new young candidate (male or female) will be fielded there. And Congress will fare very well in the election.”
He remarked, “It’s an old disease. While vote is two months ahead, they are hurting the party and us. Those who are wishing to do so, please quit instead of creating disturbance within the party.”
“BJD wants that the places it was weak will be encashed like this. But its plan will fail,” the senior Congress leader of Odisha quipped.
**Also Read:** [Sundargarh MLA Jogesh Singh Resigns From Congress & Odisha Assembly](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/suspended-mla-jogesh-singh-resigns-from-congress-odisha-assembly)
**Also Read:** [Odisha Governor Reviews Cuttack District’s Developmental Activities, Instructs For More Improvement](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/odisha-governor-reviews-cuttack-district-s-developmental-activities-instructs-for-more-improvement-)
