Supporting UPA? No way, says Naveen Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday ruled out his party's support to the UPA government at the Centre which was facing "instability" following Trinamool Congress' decision to withdraw support.

"Withdrawal of support by Trinamool Congress has put the Centre in an unstable and weak position. There is no question of support to the UPA government from BJD," Patnaik told media persons before leaving for Delhi on a five-day visit.

Asked whether he is ready for an early poll, Patnaik said, "BJD will do well with blessings of the people in any election whether its is early or not."

Patnaik also said it was too early to say anything regarding the possible alliance with any party in case of a mid-term poll. "We will see what happens in future," he said.

To a question whether he sees a mid-term poll under the prevailing situation, the chief minister said, "Let us watch and see. But it seems instability has come as far as the Central government is concerned."

Optimistic about the performance of regional parties in next polls, Patnaik said they (regional parties) are getting stronger by the day.

On the CBI probe into coal-gate scam with regard to allocation of mines in Odisha, Patnaik said, "We run a transparent and clean government. So we have no problem."

However, senior Congress leader and Union Minister Srikant Jena said the UPA government has never sought support from the BJD and its support is not needed at all.

"Congress and BJD have been intensely fighting with each other in Odisha and there is no question of seeking the support of the regional outfit," he said claiming that there was no threat to the UPA government as no political party is in favour of a mid-term poll.