BJD, BJP Orissa ties on

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19: The electoral alliance between the Biju Janata Dal BJD and BJP would continue till the next assembly elections, about a year away. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the district presidents and chiefs of frontal wings of the BJD presided over by party president Naveen Patnaik said here today.

While expressing its grave concern over total breakdown of law and order in the state, the meeting demanded the resignation of Chief Minister J B Patnaik in the wake of the alleged gangrape of Anjana Mishra. 8220;Patnaik has no moral right to continue in office even for a minute8221;, it said and demanded a CBI inquiry into the case.

The party decided to launch its membership drive from January 26 next which would continue till April 30 next. The party aimed to enrol 15 lakh members in the state.

While stressing the need to maintain discipline in the party, it decided to formulate a code of conduct for the office-bearers and other party workers.

The party reiterated itscommitment to the safeguard of the rights of the minorities and said any atrocity on them would not be tolerated.

Among others, the party8217;s secretary general, Prasanna Acharya and leader of opposition, Sachidananda Dalal attended the meeting.