India, March 24 -- The BJP's demand for a larger seat share in the assembly elections -a key reason for the alliance talks with the Biju Janata Dal(BJD) breaking down in Odisha before Lok Sabha and state polls - was based on four internal surveys that showed the party gaining ground in the state, leaders aware of the matter said on Saturday.

Talks between the BJP and the BJD over a proposed pre-poll alliance in Odisha ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly polls next month broke down on Friday three weeks after they began, with both parties announcing that they would fight all 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha seats alone.

Assembly and Lok Sabha polls are scheduled simultaneously in the eastern state, which votes in four phases beginning...