Reports of BJD supporting UPA baseless: Patnaik

Biju Janata Dal supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday termed as "baseless rumours" reports that his party would support the United Progressive Alliance government following the Trinamool Congress's pullout.

He also made it clear that there was no question of the BJD abstaining if the UPA government seeks a trust vote in Parliament.

"We do not support the UPA government in any way and there is no reason why we should abstain at all. We are against the policies of this government and we have made this very clear, especially after the recent decisions on price hike on diesel, cooking gas. These are baseless rumours," he told reporters when his attention was drawn to media reports that his party would abstain if a trust vote is sought.

Patnaik, who had on Thursday scotched speculation of his party supporting the UPA government, said no Congress leader had approached him to seek support.

Asked if he would reconsider his stand if the Centre agrees to extend special category status for Odisha, Patnaik replied in the negative.

"We are against the UPA. And you know our policy is equidistant from the BJP and the Congress," he said.

On the party's stand on allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, he said it will examine the subject "thoroughly" and then come to a decision.

Patnaik also dismissed reports that he had held talks with Communist Party of India - Marxist leader Prakash Karat about the possibility of a Third Front during their recent interaction, saying Karat had only talked to him about Bharat bandh.