Bhubaneshar, May 25: Senior Biju Janata Dal leader and Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray resigned from the party on Monday, dealing another setback to the Naveen Patnaik led BJD ahead of key political developments in Odisha.
Samantaray submitted his resignation from the party’s primary membership to BJD president Naveen Patnaik. He later met the Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman and submitted his resignation from the Upper House as well.
In his resignation letter, Samantaray reportedly stated that he no longer felt valued in the party and believed his services were not being utilised. He has long been considered a close associate of Naveen Patnaik.
Debasish Samantaray Resignation Triggers BJP Speculation
Speaking to media persons after resigning, Samantaray thanked Naveen Patnaik for giving him the opportunity to represent Odisha and the undivided Cuttack district in the Rajya Sabha.
Political circles in Odisha are now abuzz with speculation that Samantaray may soon join the BJP. Similar developments took place recently when former BJD Rajya Sabha MPs Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta resigned from the party and later entered the BJP before returning to the Rajya Sabha with BJP support.
Following the latest resignation, political observers believe the BJP could further strengthen its position in Odisha.
Reacting to the development, BJP MP Rabindra Narayan Behera said the BJD was “losing wickets continuously” in the state. He alleged that several leaders in the regional party were unhappy and suffocated due to internal issues.
Behera also claimed that the BJP government in Odisha was providing better governance and said the party would welcome Samantaray if he decides to join the BJP.
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