Patnaik chosen BJDLP chief unanimously

Soon after being elected as the leader, Patnaik said that the election results have proved that the BJD is the elder brother in the alliance. He advised the MLAs to treat the alliance partner with utmost understanding. "We are fortunate that in Orissa there are only two coalition partners unlike the Centre where there are 23", Patnaik said.

Stating that Prime Minister A B Vajpayee is the best example of how to run a successful coalition, Patnaik underscored the need for concerted efforts to make the coalition a success. He said that the newly elected members should involve themselves more in the running of the government by taking the alliance partner into confidence.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, Patnaik said that he will take a final decision on ministry making after discussing the matter with the alliance partner. The BJD president who will leave for New Delhi tomorrow will meet Vajpayee and other leaders of the National Democratic Alliance and resign from the central cabinet.

Secretary general of BJD, Prasanna Acharya said that the joint meeting of the BJD and BJP legislature parties will be held soon to elect the leader. He said that the swearing-in ceremony of the new ministry will be held after the joint meeting of the two allies. He said that date for the swearing in ceremony is yet to be finalised.

Acharya said that decision about the creation of post of deputy chief minister will be taken after discussion with the central and state leadership of the BJP. So far there has been no formal discussion with the BJP in this regard, he said.

Replying to a question, Acharya said that the party has called for reports from candidates who have lost the election. A decision will be taken by the president after getting reports from all such candidates.