Political Battle In Odisha Heats Up; Former BJD Leader Baijayant Jay Panda Joins BJP

Former senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Member of Parliament Baijayant Jay Panda joined the BJP on Monday (4 March).

In his social media message, Panda said that following nine months of introspection and consultation with colleagues and the public he has decided to join the BJP on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

He added that he would work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to serve Odisha and India to the best of his ability.

Panda had quit the BJD in May 2018 following differences with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Panda was already suspended from the party at the time of his resignation.

While announcing his resignation, Panda had expressed deep anguish, hurt and sorrow over his suspension. He had also expressed hurt over BJD party-men not paying their respects following his father’s demise as Naveen Patnaik had reportedly forbidden them from doing so.

He also resigned from the Lok Sabha two weeks after quitting the party.

Panda was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2000 to 2009 before becoming a Lok Sabha MP from Kendrapara constituency in Odisha.