Cuttack, March 14 -- ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous accused the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of being the 'B-team' of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to ANI, she said that Congress extended its support to BJD Rajya Sabha candidate Datteswar Hota only after the endorsement of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Noting the BJD's support for the Waqf Bill, Firdous criticised the party for its pro-BJP working ideals. She, however, added that Congress does not aim to include everyone in the way forward to elections.

"The Congress party extended its support to the candidate only after former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced his support. How can this be a common candid...