Naveen wants to ride feelgood wave, game for twin polls

BJD leaders favour simultaneous polls ostensibly to avoid a burden on the state’s exchequer. It is also not inclined to lose two working seasons as the code of conduct would be in force for two elections. ‘‘These will hamper developmental work,’’ Patnaik said.

After his return from New Delhi last week, Patnaik had shown an inclination for simultaneous polls but at the same time he had been non-commital on the matter. Political observers believe that the urgency now shown by BJD leaders has something to do with developments in the Congress. The return of J.B. Patnaik as state Congress president has led the BJD to seriously consider early Assembly polls, for in such a scenario Patnaik will not have sufficient time to strengthen the party organisation to challenge the BJD-BJP alliance.

On the prospects of his party, the Chief Minister said ‘‘we’ll do even better than the last time’’. BJD secretary general and Panchayati Raj Minister Damodar Rout said the leaders were willing to sacrifice eight to nine months in office.