New Delhi, May 15 The Congress Party is hoping for 'passive support' from Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Patnaik has assured the Congress that he will abstain in the confidence vote.ongress President Sonia Gandhi called Patnaik and reaffirmed her support.

Earlier, Patnaik ruled out supporting the Congress or the BJP-led government at the Centre after the general elections.

He said the ties with the BJP ended because of the communal violence in the state, especially the Kandhamal district, and the 'unreasonable demands' made by it during seat-sharing talks. (ANI)