By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 4, 2017: Politics is the art of looking for trouble and that is what precisely, BJP has begun experimenting in Odisha. Senior BJP leader and union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram on Tuesday hinted that several senior BJD leaders, including MPs and MLAs, have shown interest in switching their loyalty to BJP.

Oram’s statement assumes significance as it comes ahead of BJP’s upcoming national executive meet here. He also clarified that members including former MLAs, MPs, and Ministers of other parties are also discussing prospects of joining BJP. Oram, however, did not divulge the names and the number of such members keen to switch sides.

“There are some who are pursuing serious discussions to join the BJP. There are MPs, former MPs, former ministers, MLAs, senior party office bearers of all parties including BJD are in talks with BJP. After the performance of BJP in the recently concluded elections in four states, everyone is heading towards BJP,” said Oram.

However, observers said there is very less chance of sitting MLAs and MPs joining BJP as if less than one-third of the number of legislators and MPs switch to another party, then the anti-defection law can be invoked leading to cancellation of membership.

“As far as I know, there are no chances of MPs and MLAs of our party joining BJP,” BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb said.