After the snapping of ties between the BJD and BJP, the CPI on Monday expressed hope that BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik would play a key role in formation of a third alternative to NDA and UPA.

Complimenting Patnaik, CPI general secretary A B Bardhan expressed hope that the Orissa Chief Minister would play a lead role, akin to his legendary father Biju Patnaik in cementing a third force of secular parties.

The CPI veteran earlier said that the Third Front cobbled up by the Left and like-minded parties would welcome BJD to its fold if the regional party severed its ties with BJP, particularly in the aftermath of communal violence in Kandhamal.

Against the backdrop of the changed political scenario in Orissa, Bardhan is also likely to visit Bhubaneswar shortly as part of efforts to prop up the third front, CPI sources said.